Use this easy-to-follow task list to make sure you don't miss any steps along your journey to a finished DVD!!

1. Record, film, collect.
   Every DVD is different, but by the time you're reading this, you will likely have already begun the process of creating or collecting the audio and visual elements of your DVD. It's never too early, however, to begin thinking of your DVD project as a whole, so that all the elements will come together as smoothly as possible. Try to limit the number of formats you are using for your audio tracks, for example, and save yourself the money and time it will take to transfer your material. For information on acceptable formats for DVD, visit the DVD Authoring page.
   
   
2. Look after copyright & licensing issues.
   
   

   I)Your DVD includes all original footage, music and software. In this case, obviously, you do not need to get a license from anyone! However:

   a) You need to submit an IPR Form with your finished master, and indicate on it that you own all the elements on your DVD. Your DVD will not be manufactured without a completed IPR form, which you can download here.
   b) You should also look after protecting your own material. Find out more about copyright at www.copyright.gov (US) or www.cb-cda.gc.ca (Canada).

   
   

   II) Your audio includes your performances of someone else's songs. When you record a version of someone else's song, you must obtain what's called a mechanical license from the original writer(s) and publisher(s) of the song. The easiest way to arrange this in the US, is to contact the Harry Fox Agency (212) 370-5330 (www.nmpa.org), or in Canada, the Canadian Musical Reproduction Rights Association (CMRRA) (416) 926-1966 (www.cmrra.ca). You can also contact the song's publisher directly to obtain the rights.

   a) You need to submit a copy of your mechanical license, or proof that you have applied for the mechanical license, for any "cover songs", with your finished master.
   b) You need to submit an IPR Form with your finished master, and indicate on it that you own the performance (you sang or performed the song yourself) for the tracks on the DVD. Your DVD will not be manufactured without a completed IPR form, which you can download here.

   
   

   III) You're including someone else's performance, software or samples on your DVD.
   Even if your DVD is not for sale, you cannot include some one else's performance, software or samples on your DVD without getting what's called a master use license. You do this by contacting the original artist or artist's label, or by contacting the owner of the software.

   a) You need to submit a copy of your master use license, or proof that you have applied for the master use license, for any non-original performances, software or samples on your DVD, with your finished master.
   b) You need to submit an IPR Form with your finished master, and indicate on it that you DO NOT own the performance or software (you DID NOT sing or perform the song yourself) on the DVD. Your DVD will not be manufactured without a completed IPR form, which you can download here.

   
   

   IV) You're including images in your DVD artwork that are owned by someone else. Copyright also exists for graphic material you may wish to use in your packaging materials. MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES strongly suggests that you obtain rights to reproduce these materials prior to manufacturing in order to protect yourself from potential legal action.
   
   

3. Get your DVD authored.
   When we talk about authoring DVDs, we're talking about processing video content for transfer to a DVD master. This can mean making a direct transfer of video material onto a DVD master, or it can involve much more complicated processes. Either way, DVD authoring requires both creative and technical expertise, so your DVD will only look as good as the elements (video, graphics, photos, etc.) that go into making it! If you have not already found someone who can author your DVD, contact the MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES multimedia department, and we can look after it for you!
   
   It is best to submit your final DVD master by courier, or by hand. General mail delivery can take a long time, and it is much harder to ensure the safety of your material. Always keep a safety master of your DVD!
   
   
4. Hire a graphic artist.
   It's best to find an experienced graphic designer to make your DVD look great, or call MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES and let our experienced design department create the design that's best for you! It's a great idea to show your designer a little bit of the DVD, so they get a feel for the project - and don't forget to show them other DVDs or designs that you think would work for your project.
   
   Make sure you or your designer read the graphics specifications, and that you or your designer download the MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES downloadable templates for your DVD insert and disc art. Once you're ready to submit the artwork for your project, your designer needs to complete the MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES Graphics Form to accompany your art.
   
   Your artwork can be submitted on disc, or ftp'd using our EASI site. Always keep a copy of your artwork on disc.
   
   
5. Manufacture your DVDs.
   Now you bring it all together! It's best to choose a duplication firm that can look after all your manufacturing needs for you - printing the inserts, duplicating the DVDs, and packaging the finished product. If you decide to manufacture your DVDs at MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES, here are some of the things you need to know, before proceeding:
   
   Copyright. MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES complies with all international copyright conventions and participates in copyright compliance and anti-piracy initiatives undertaken by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) (riaa.com), the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) (cria.ca) and the International Recorded Media Association (IRMA) (recordingmedia.org).
   
   Warranty. At our discretion, MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES will either replace any product with obvious manufacturing defects, or refund the applicable amount. MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES cannot be held liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from our actions or products (including damages for loss of profits, revenue or business and the like) in any way.
   
   Delivery Dates. MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES prides itself on delivering DVDs exactly when promised, if not before! However, please, do not schedule an official release for your DVD too close to the anticipated delivery of your product. Any number of steps in the process can create unexpected delays.
   
   Color Matching. All MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES DVD inserts are "gang-run" as per industry standard (several jobs printed on the same sheet). This allows us to offer printed inserts at an economical cost to you, but it also means that exact color matching for any one job is not possible.
   
   Bar Codes. If you plan to sell your DVD in stores, you must have a bar code or UPC (Universal Product Code) included in the packaging, so that retailers can easily track the sales of your product within their inventory system.
   
   If you need a UPC number, we will provide it free of charge, and will generate the correct barcode for your artwork. If you don't want the barcode to be part of your DVD graphics, we can also supply barcodes on stickers applied to the shrink-wrap.
   
   If you already have a UPC number, simply give the number to MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES or your designer (whoever is designing your packaging) and the bar code can be generated and inserted.
   
   
6. Send us your materials.
   Collect everything you need to go with your order:
   • Finished master, to MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES DVD authoring specifications
   • DVD graphics on disc, or zipped/stuffed for upload, to MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES graphic specifications
   • All necessary completed forms:
     • Graphics Form. Print & complete to include with the disc, OR upload with graphics to the ftp server.
     • Intellectual Property Rights Form (IPR)
     • Credit Card Authorization (if you are using a credit card to pay for your order)
   • Deposit, as specified by your MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES rep when you place your order. You can pay in several ways:
     • Certified cheque or cashier's cheque.
     • Money order.
     • VISA or MasterCard, with signed credit card authorization form. Your credit card statement will say MMSdirect Inc.
     • Cash, only if you're delivering your order in person.
     • Bank Transfer: Ask your MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES rep for details.
     • Review our Terms & Conditions document, and make sure you understand it.
   
   Then package everything carefully and send it by courier or mail to:
   
   MUSIC MANUFACTURING SERVICES
   25 Defries Street,
   Toronto, Ontario
   Canada, M5A 3R4
   
   ** Let us help you track your order. Once you've given your package to the courier, email the tracking/waybill number to info@musicmanufacturing.com, and we'll keep our eye out for it.
   
   
7. Take delivery!!