AV Music pilot phase ends – service to be integrated into music licensing services
Two years ago, Finnish music copyright organizations Teosto and Gramex launched the AV Music service as a pilot for production companies with the aim of facilitating the use of music in audiovisual productions. The pilot phase will end in December, and from the beginning of 2026, AV Music will become part of the NCB service operated in connection with Teosto.
During its two years of operation, AV Music has served nearly 250 different AV productions, such as TV programs, documentaries, and films. The service has helped production companies by sharing information and connecting production teams with music rights holders.
Production companies that have used the service have been satisfied: the one-stop-shop approach has been found to speed up and streamline the process of acquiring music rights and facilitate access to information.
“According to the feedback we have received, AV Music has enabled us to promote cooperation between AV productions and music rights holders and to increase mutual understanding and awareness of the rights related to the use of music. This cooperation will continue to be needed in the future,” says Markus Kaarto, Licensing Director at Teosto.
The pilot has shown that there is demand for music in AV productions. That is why, starting from the beginning of 2026, the AV Music service will be integrated into the NCB licensing service operated in connection with Teosto. This is an important step forward for the audiovisual sector.
“Our goal is to continue the service so that using music in AV productions becomes even more seamless. We especially encourage production companies to choose original music from Nordic rightsholders, helping to support local talent and enrich audiovisual content with authentic, high-quality music”, says Ole Martini Mortensen, Team Leader at NCB
Gramex and Teosto are committed to continuing service development in this area. The lessons learned during the pilot period will be incorporated into the organizations’ service development, and online advice, for example, will be increased. Cooperation within music industry networks will also continue.
“We must continue to strive to make processes easier and improve access to information. Rights holders must pay particular attention to the correct registration of works and the active promotion of music use. Good customer service will continue to be crucial, as many people have unnecessary preconceptions and doubts about the use of music,” says Elmo Helokumpu, Key Account Manager at Gramex.
AV productions can contact the NCB’s licensing service at www.avmusic.fi (form).