Does My Project Qualify?

1. Q: - How many units must I have sold of any one previously released or currently released title in order to qualify for Radio Starmaker funding?

   A: -

   Minimum Sales By Genre

   	Minimum Sales
   Pop
   Major Label	7,500 units
   Independent Label	5,000 units
   Rock
   Major Label	7,500 units
   Independent Label	5,000 units
   Hip-Hop/R&B
   Major Label	7,500 units
   Independent Label	5,000 units
   Country
   Major Label	7,500 units
   Independent Label	5,000 units
   Electronica
   Major Label	5,000 units
   Independent Label	3,500 units
   Folk
   Major Label	5,000 units
   Independent Label	3,500 units
   Global
   Major Label	2,000 units
   Independent Label	2,000 units
   Blues
   Major Label	2,000 units
   Independent Label	2,000 units
   Classical
   Major Label	2,000 units
   Independent Label	2,000 units
   Jazz
   Major Label	2,000 units
   Independent Label	2,000 units
   Aboriginal artists *
   Major Label	2,000 units
   Independent Label	2,000 units

   Please note: You may establish your track record from the sales of any previous title released within the last 5 years or from the sales of a current title (see FAQ #2 if you are a new artist). Any artist that is new to the fund or is re-establishing sales eligibility must receive written approval of sales eligibility from Jerry Leibowitz no later than 1 week before the deadline for any round. That means that all proof of eligibility for artists must be provided significantly in advance of 1 week before the deadline so that all the material can be reviewed and further information provided if necessary before that 1 week advance period elapses.

   The RSF allows the sale of digital downloads of full-length releases or bundles, as well as physical releases to go toward meeting our net sales thresholds. A full-length release contains at least 6 unique studio recordings – not including acoustic re-recordings, remixes, versions, etc. – and at least 25 minutes of music. A bundle contains at least 3 unique studio recordings that were made available no later than a year before the release of the bundle itself – not including acoustic re-recordings, remixes, versions, etc. – and at least 9 minutes of music. Downloads of single tracks sold from titles released within the last five years will also be allowed in meeting the net sales thresholds. Five single track downloads from a full-length release or bundle will constitute one sale toward the achievement of the minimum sales threshold under the eligibility requirements. Canadian streams of single tracks from titles released within the last five years will also be allowed in meeting the net sales thresholds. 750 single track streams from a full-length release or bundle will constitute one sale toward the achievement of the minimum sales threshold under the eligibility requirements. The tracks must appear on the actual release – not remixes or versions of songs which don’t appear on the actual release. Only downloads and streams shown on Soundscan/Music Connect Canada will be counted.

   We will allow the inclusion of deluxe editions of a release in the count towards sales eligibility as long as there are at least 3 additional songs added to the original version of the release (remixes or versions of existing tracks are fine). If the applicant has already applied for the regular version of the release, they should not add the deluxe version into the system but you can include any sales or streams from the deluxe version should you re-apply under the original title. You will need to discuss the deluxe edition in the text of any new applications. In that case, the release date will stay the same as the original version and we will stick with the same cap of 4 domestic marketing applications max over a 2 year period from the original release date. If there were no applications submitted for the regular version of the release, then the release date for the deluxe version is what applicants should use as it will be the first release under which you apply for the title. You can include sales/streams from the previously released regular version when adding the deluxe edition into the system. All other rules around international marketing applications and touring applications will remain the same with the inclusion of a deluxe edition.

   * The Aboriginal artists genre can include all types of music recorded by Aboriginal artists. Any applicant who applies as an Aboriginal artist will be required to provide all pertinent documentation verifying their Aboriginal status, upon submission of their application or earlier.

2. Q: - I am an artist releasing my first recording. Am I eligible to apply for RSF funding?

   A: - You are eligible once you meet the net sales minimum based on your genre and label type. The appropriate level of Significant Investment must also be met when applying for Domestic Marketing. Please note, if you do not have a previous sales track record, your record must be shipped prior to the application deadline in the round for which you are applying in order to qualify for funding.

3. Q: - What constitutes “sales”? For example, do club sales count?

   A: - Sales levels are determined on records and paid digital downloads, as well as streams in Canada only. Sales will be determined on “net sales” (“net sales” is defined as # of units shipped, net of returns) excluding exports, however this can include records sold offstage and through direct mail in Canada. You may be required on request to provide the Radio Starmaker Fund with manufacturing receipts, distributor net sales reports and the number of units shipped. The Radio Starmaker Fund is able to determine scanned, downloaded and streamed numbers for any record appearing within the Soundscan/Music Connect Canada system as the RSF currently subscribes to Soundscan/Music Connect Canada.

   Should Soundscan/Music Connect Canada indicate the applicant has reached but not exceeded the eligibility requirement for net sales, then it is not necessary to forward net sales reports to us. Should Soundscan/Music Connect Canada not indicate the net sales requirement has been met, then a Canadian net sales report indicating the title’s total Canadian shipments minus any returns must be submitted to us proving sales eligibility by the application deadline, in order for an application to be considered. The sooner this information can be received and subsequently approved – the better. The information can be sent via email/jpeg. It can take the form of a concise print-out from the distributor’s computer system on the distributor’s letterhead or via a letter from the distributor on their letterhead. It must show the name of the artist, title, date of release and must use the words “Canadian net sales” and the corresponding figure. Excel spreadsheets cannot be accepted. Manufacturing sheets will be accepted in specific situations but that needs to be cleared with us first. Otherwise, the Canadian net sales report is what we need to see for the application to be considered. Canadian net sales reports are necessary for the title which you have applied for in the application if it has already been shipped. If the qualifying title that meets our net sales minimum for this artist is not the title for which you are applying, you must also send a Canadian net sales report from the distributor of the title from the last five years which meets our net sales criteria in the artist’s respective genre. Documents sent in previous rounds will not be accepted. We always need to see updated information.

4. Q: - If my organization doesn’t fit the criteria as posted on the Radio Starmaker Fund website can I still submit a proposal to receive Radio Starmaker funding?

   A: - No. The Radio Starmaker Fund is set up to assist Canadian recording artists who fit the criteria as outlined on the website. No other proposals will be accepted.

5. Q: - Under which of my releases should I apply?

   A: - For domestic and international marketing applications – applicants must apply under their most recent full-length and/or their most recent bundle either of which can be released up to 6 months after the deadline for the round.

   For domestic and international touring applications – applicants must apply under their most recent full-length and/or their most recent bundle either of which can be released up to 6 months after the deadline for the round. Tour dates will now be counted on an annual basis so you have from January 1^st through December 31^st of each year to use the potential amount of available dates in each territory. Date counts will be re-set to 0 for all territories January 1^st of each successive year.

   Keep in mind that as long as there is no change in genre or type of release (independent vs major), sales eligibility lasts for 5 years from an eligible title’s release date. As long as new recordings are within that 5 year window then there should be no issue with the upcoming title being eligible for funding consideration. If there is a change in genre or type of release for the upcoming title, then you must still have sales eligibility with the new release in order to be able to apply. Please review FAQ #1 & FAQ #10 for further information should there be a change in genre or type of release for the upcoming title.

6. Q: - How much money do I have to invest in my project in the form of non-recoupable, 3^rd party, in-Canada marketing expenses, in order to qualify for Domestic Marketing funding?

   A: -

   Minimum Investments By Genre

   	Minimum Investment
   Pop
   Major Label	$15,000.00
   Independent Label	$10,000.00
   Rock
   Major Label	$15,000.00
   Independent Label	$10,000.00
   Hip-Hop/R&B
   Major Label	$15,000.00
   Independent Label	$10,000.00
   Country
   Major Label	$15,000.00
   Independent Label	$10,000.00
   Electronica
   Major Label	$10,000.00
   Independent Label	$7,000.00
   Folk
   Major Label	$10,000.00
   Independent Label	$7,000.00
   Global
   Major Label	$5,000.00
   Independent Label	$5,000.00
   Blues
   Major Label	$5,000.00
   Independent Label	$5,000.00
   Classical
   Major Label	$5,000.00
   Independent Label	$5,000.00
   Jazz
   Major Label	$5,000.00
   Independent Label	$5,000.00
   Aboriginal artists
   Major Label	$5,000.00
   Independent Label	$5,000.00

   There is no minimum Significant Investment amount necessary for subsequent applications after an initial Domestic Marketing approval for a release.

7. Q: - Is there a maximum number of units sold “cap” for independent and major label artists?

   A: - Yes. In order to be eligible for the RSF as an independent artist, you cannot have sold more than 150,000 equivalent units of any one previously released record. As a major label artist, you cannot have sold more than 100,000 equivalent units of any one previously released record. If you qualify for the RSF with sales that do not exceed either the independent label or major label cap and you proceed to exceed either the 150,000 equivalent unit independent label “cap” or 100,000 equivalent unit major label “cap” the RSF will consider domestic touring funding for the launch of your next bundle or full-length only. Eligible artists who have surpassed their sales “cap” may also apply for international marketing or international touring up to 18 months after the Canadian launch of their next bundle or full-length only - once per territory.

8. Q: - I was in a successful band that exceeded the unit sales level “cap”. Does that disqualify me from applying for Radio Starmaker funding as a solo artist?

   A: - No. As a solo artist, you cannot use your previous track record in a band as part of your unit level requirement. If you are applying for funding as a solo artist, the number of units sold is based on your previous track record as a solo artist only. If you are a new solo artist the unit level requirement is based on the number of units sold on your current record. Please note, if you do not have a previous sales track record, your record must be shipped prior to the application deadline in the round for which you are applying in order to qualify for funding.

9. Q: - Can an artist who exceeded the major label unit sales level “cap” of 100,000 equivalent units still apply to the Radio Starmaker Fund as an independent artist as long as that artist hasn’t exceeded the indie label “cap” of 150,000 equivalent units?

   A: - No. If you are an independent artist who was previously signed to a major label and you exceeded the major label maximum number of units sold “cap” of 100,000 equivalent units of any one previously released record, you will be ineligible to apply to the Radio Starmaker Fund as either an independent or major label artist, in any genre.

10. Q: - Can I use my major label unit sales level track record to qualify as an independent artist?

    A: - In the last 5 years from the deadline for the round, you must have met the minimum unit sales level requirement as a major label artist in your respective genre in order to qualify you as an independent artist in that same genre. Otherwise, you must re-qualify as a new independent artist in your respective genre.

11. Q: - Can I use my sales eligibility in one genre to qualify for a release in another genre?

    A: - You can use your sales eligibility in one genre to qualify for a release in another genre in certain circumstances.

    For example - if you previously qualified as a an independent folk artist and sold 8,000 copies of one of your folk releases from the last five years, you would automatically be eligible as an independent pop artist because you’ve already met the 5,000 unit minimum sales requirement for an independent pop artist. It would be the same case if you met the sales eligibility requirements as a major label artist in the same genres.

    You can’t use your eligibility based on sales in a previous genre with a higher sales eligibility level to qualify under a new genre with a lower sales eligibility level. This means, for example, that an electronica artist can use their previous sales to prove rock eligibility but not the other way around as rock has a higher sales eligibility level than electronica. The reason for this is that it’s easier to sell rock records than electronica records.

12. Q: - If I haven’t released a title in several years can I still apply to the Radio Starmaker Fund?

    A: - The Radio Starmaker Fund will only consider sales from a title that was released within 5 years of the deadline for the current round in order to be eligible for funding. Please see FAQ #2, if you are a new artist.

13. Q: - Does the Radio Starmaker Fund provide funding for artists who are releasing “live”, “greatest hits” or multiple-artist compilation records?

    A: - No. You also can’t show sales eligibility from these types of releases.

14. Q: - Am I eligible to apply for Radio Starmaker funding as a landed immigrant?

    A: - Yes. The Radio Starmaker Fund will consider applications filed by Canadian residents who are not Canadian citizens but instead have been granted Canadian landed immigrant status. Any applicant who applies as a landed immigrant will be required to provide all pertinent documentation verifying your landed immigrant status by the deadline for the round in which you apply.

What Do I Need To Know To Apply?

15. Q: - What is “Significant Investment”?

    A: - Your “Significant Investment” is the money YOU are investing in your project (“project” is defined as the record for which you are applying for funding) in a Domestic Marketing application. Your Significant Investment cannot include any Radio Starmaker or FACTOR funding. The Radio Starmaker Fund is set up to assist Canadian recording artists in an effort to help them achieve a higher level of success, therefore any funding you are applying for from the Radio Starmaker Fund should be considered as additional money to help your artist(s) reach that goal. You are expected to make the same investment in your artist as you would if the Radio Starmaker Fund (or any other funding organization) did not exist.

    The Significant Investment can be established by spending in approved categories 12 months prior to the deadline for the round in which you apply, as well as any anticipated spending you will make up until 8 months following the deadline for the round in which you apply.

    The Significant Investment is a crucial element to the application process. It will be used to determine the level of Radio Starmaker funding you will be eligible to receive in a Domestic Marketing application. For major label releases the funding may be matched up to a maximum of 100% of the investment (if your Significant Investment is $30,000, you can potentially receive up to a maximum of $30,000 in funding from the Radio Starmaker Fund). For independent label releases the funding may be matched up to a maximum of 200% of the investment (if your Significant Investment is $30,000, you can potentially receive up to a maximum of $60,000 in funding from the Radio Starmaker Fund). Please note: funding amounts for bundles are capped at $20,000 for domestic marketing applications and $5,000 to $10,000 for international marketing applications depending on the territory. The investment you enter in your application is to include true, out-of-pocket, non-recoupable, 3^rd party, in-Canada marketing initiatives only. Invoices for both Significant Investment and Funding Requests can not be split among different uses. Invoices must be separate for each initiative.

    Applicants will be given 1 week from the date they are advised their application has been approved to lower their Significant Investment to a level so that independent label applicants can reach a 2:1 Funding Request to Significant Investment ratio and major label applicants can reach a 1:1 Funding Request to Significant Investment ratio. Here is a specific example. If an independent label applicant indicates they will spend $30,000 in Significant Investment they could potentially be approved for up to $60,000 in RSF funding. If this applicant is only approved for $40,000 in funding, they will have 1 week from the time they are notified the application has been approved to lower their required Significant Investment to $20,000 to reach the 2:1 ratio. No new Significant Investment can be introduced - only the existing Significant Investment can be lowered. Major label applicants would have the same 1 week to bring the Significant Investment down to $40,000. If the new lower Significant Investment request isn’t received within 1 week, it will be assigned to the applicant on their behalf. The minimum Significant Investment levels based on genre and type of release (independent or major) will still be required in order to be eligible to receive RSF funding. Significant Investment can not be lowered to a point below the minimum requirements.

    Applicants will be eligible to receive domestic marketing funding up to 4 times for the same project within a two year period from the release date of your record.

    Your “Significant Investment” is established by:

    • Non-recoupable marketing spends made in Canada. Digital marketing/advertising companies you use for domestic marketing applications can be located anywhere in the world but the actual initiatives you use them for must take place in Canada.
    • Any non-recoupable portion of music videos (net of all music video funding) capped at an allowance of $35,000 per music video as a qualified contribution to your “Significant Investment”. Please make sure to include the date the music video was shot and the fact the significant investment you enter is non-recoupable, should you choose to include music video as a Significant Investment. The maximum amount the Radio Starmaker Fund will acknowledge in Significant Investment for music videos in conjunction with a release will be a total of $100,000.
      
      Footage shot for any use outside of a formal music video which will be sent to music channels should be included in the Digital Marketing category on the investment side. As always, we will not fund any music videos. Formal music videos can continue to be included in the “Other” category as Significant Investment.
    • The minimum required investment to qualify for Domestic Marketing is $5,000 depending on your genre of music (see FAQ #6 for genre breakdowns).
    • The RSF does not consider creative costs or production costs associated with your release as Significant Investment.
    • The RSF will consider the 3^rd party costs associated with the writing of bio’s up to a maximum of $1,000 as Significant Investment, taxes included.
    • DMDS (and other digital delivery systems) as well as digital download cards up to cap of $10,000 each, including taxes.
    • The RSF will consider costs associated with photo shoots up to a maximum of $2,500 per round as Significant Investment. This amount will be capped at $5,000 per project. These amounts are including taxes. Please remember to include the date of the photo shoot should you choose to include it as Significant Investment. The photo shoot costs cannot include any expenses associated with any CD/DVD artwork.
    • Independent Publicist’s Fees which take place more than 6 months in advance of a release date won’t be considered.
    • Facebook advertising will be considered as both significant investment or funding requests in our marketing applications. There will be no specific cap for Facebook advertising in a Domestic Marketing application.
    • You are permitted to move portions of your Significant Investment from one category to another Radio Starmaker Fund qualifying category, however you are required to inform the Radio Starmaker Fund of such changes. Regardless of any alterations to your Significant Investment categories, you are required to make the total allowed or revised investment as indicated in your approved application. Please note, any alteration to your approved Funding Initiatives without the Radio Starmaker Fund’s prior written consent may invalidate your funding. All substantial changes must be approved in writing prior to the change taking place.

    The following costs will NOT be considered as Significant Investment or Funding Requests:

    • Recording costs
    • Any costs related to tour support/enhancement, promotional appearances, live concerts or artist showcases
    • Manufacturing costs for release
    • Artwork costs for release
    • Punched product
    • D-Pro’s and other promotional CD’s/LP’s
    • Samplers
    • Duplication (manufacturing or reproduction of videos, CD’s, DVD’s)
    • Awards certifications, etc.
    • Remix production or 12″ dance singles production
    • Sell sheets
    • Artist advances
    • Donated services
    • Rebates
    • Costs associated with managers, label reps, etc.
    • Overhead/general cost of doing business (i.e., rent, phone, couriers/shipping, wages, etc.)
    • Meals/catering/hospitality initiatives/venue rentals
    • International initiatives

    IMPORTANT: If your project has received FACTOR/Musicaction funding (or money from any other funding source) or is pending approval from FACTOR/Musicaction, you are required to inform the RSF of your current FACTOR/Musicaction status by providing the RSF with the following information:

    • Date of application filed to FACTOR/Musicaction
    • Current status in regards to your FACTOR/Musicaction application
    • Approximate value request of your application to FACTOR/Musicaction
    • You will also be required to provide the RSF with the final details and date your FACTOR/Musicaction file is closed. Any potential audit will not occur until both your RSF and FACTOR/Musicaction files for the same project have been finalized.

16. Q: - Can I apply for funding for my new music video from the Radio Starmaker Fund?

    A: - No. The Radio Starmaker Fund does not fund the production of music videos, however you will be permitted to use the non-recoupable portion of music videos (net of all music video funding) capped at an allowance of $35,000 per music video as a qualified contribution to your Significant Investment. The maximum amount the Radio Starmaker Fund will acknowledge in Significant Investment for music videos in conjunction with a release will be a total of $100,000. The non-recoupable amount entered in your application is not to include any music video funding that you have received or expect to receive in the future. Please make sure to include the date the music video was shot and the fact the significant investment you enter is non-recoupable, should you choose to include music video as a Significant Investment.
    
    Footage shot for any use outside of a formal music video which will be sent to music channels should be included in the Digital Marketing category. As always, we will not fund any music videos. Formal music videos can continue to be included in the “Other” category as Significant Investment.

17. Q: - Can I apply for funding for the production of any TV or radio commercials or the design of print ads?

    A: - Yes. The RSF allows up to $2,000 of the costs associated with the production of TV and/or radio commercials per initiative as either a Significant Investment or Funding Request. Please note, the RSF will not consider the maximum $2,000 cap for costs associated with different versions or “lifts” of a TV/radio commercial where the video and/or audio portions are predominantly the same as the original commercial. A maximum cap of $750 is allowed per print advertising production initiative. These amounts are inclusive of taxes.

18. Q: - I understand that once I am approved for one round of funding, I can potentially be approved for an additional 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th round of Domestic Marketing funding within a 2 year period from the release date for the same project. In this case, do I start all over with a new application and follow the same procedure as if it were my first application?

    A: - Yes. You can either start a new application from scratch under the same album or copy over the previous application, as long as you click on all the “edit” boxes in the application to update all the information after doing so.

    There is no minimum Significant Investment amount necessary for subsequent applications after an initial Domestic Marketing approval for a release.

19. Q: - Should I include music files with my application so the Board of Directors can listen to my music?

    A: - Yes, please include one song from the release as an attachment to any application. There will be no jury process that considers the artistic or commercial merit of the music. In advance of an application being submitted, the Radio Starmaker Fund requires confirmation that the genre of music you have chosen to apply under in your application is the appropriate genre for your music. The release or a link to the release can be emailed to the Radio Starmaker Fund office.

20. Q: - Can I mail in my application?

    A: - No. Applications must be completed and sent on-line via the website. Applications mailed to the Radio Starmaker Fund office will not be accepted.

21. Q: - Can I apply for and receive FACTOR funding as well as Radio Starmaker funding for the same project?

    A: - Yes, however, you will not be permitted to use FACTOR funding as a component of your Significant Investment. You also may not receive funding reimbursement for any marketing expense for which you have already been reimbursed from another funding source, including FACTOR. The Radio Starmaker Fund and FACTOR have established a policy of information exchange and invoice recognition to avoid any “double-dipping”. As a condition of funding you are required to sign an agreement allowing the Radio Starmaker Fund to enter your business premises and conduct full audits of your books and records during regular business hours to ensure the integrity of the funding and the accuracy of accounting. Any misappropriation of funds will be subject to penalties of repayment as well as possible suspension from using the RSF for up to 5 years as determined by the Board of Directors.

    IMPORTANT: Any RSF approved funding for marketing initiatives must be 100% funded by the RSF in order for the expense to be considered. If any portion of an individual invoice has been previously recognized by any other funding organization, the expense will not be considered by the RSF. If your project has received FACTOR/Musicaction funding (or money from any other funding source) or is pending approval from FACTOR/Musicaction, you are required to inform the RSF of your current FACTOR/Musicaction status by providing the RSF with the following information:

    • Date of application filed to FACTOR/Musicaction
    • Current status in regards to your FACTOR/Musicaction application
    • Approximate value request of your application to FACTOR/Musicaction
    • You will also be required to provide the RSF with the final details and date your FACTOR/Musicaction file is closed. Any potential audit will not occur until both your RSF and FACTOR/Musicaction files for the same project have been finalized.

22. Q: - How will I know my application has been successfully submitted?

    A: - You will receive an automated confirmation email for each application you successfully submit during a particular round. Should your application be approved, signed contracts will be necessary to receive funding.

23. Q: - Can I apply for funding solely for one funding category such as digital marketing or independent publicity?

    A: - Yes.

24. Q: - What kind of contest promotion initiatives will the RSF consider?

    A: - The RSF will consider expenses associated with contesting, however, failure to provide enough detail may prevent your request from being considered. If you are applying for contest funding you are required to provide itemized details regarding any media partner, sponsor(s), the timing of the contest and specifically what the actual expenditure is for. If you simply request an amount without sufficient detail on how that cost was precisely derived, the request will be denied.

25. Q: - What expenses will the Radio Starmaker Fund cover in regards to tour support?

    A: - The Starmaker Fund covers tour support with a direct subsidy. Only live appearances that have yet to take place will be considered for funding. Please see the touring applications for more details. No initiatives related to live/promo appearances or showcases can be included in the Domestic or International Marketing applications. Please review FAQ’s #32 and #33 for further information.

26. Q: - When I receive tour subsidy funding for a show from Starmaker does that include HST?

    A: - No. There is no HST payable to you since you are not providing any “supply of property or services” to Starmaker under the legislation. This is a grant subsidy and therefore you do not report any of the monies as HST. Please note, any funding you receive from the RSF is to be considered taxable income.

27. Q: - Should my Significant Investment and Funding Requests include any applicable taxes?

    A: - Yes. All Significant Investment and Funding Requests entered in your application should be inclusive of all applicable taxes. If you are approved for $100,000 in funding from the Radio Starmaker Fund, the total amount of funding you are eligible to receive is $100,000 based on invoice totals inclusive of any applicable taxes. The applicant would then have the benefit of the input tax credit for any GST/HST included in any invoice total, therefore you can expect to receive the input tax credit back in the form of a refund from Revenue Canada. When filing your GST/HST return, the total amount of funding paid by the Radio Starmaker Fund effectively constitutes payment of approved funding based on the appropriate documentation submitted (verifying proof of payment of expenses) and should be treated as grant income by the applicant with no additional GST/HST in the total paid by the Radio Starmaker Fund. Please note, any funding you receive from the RSF is to be considered taxable income.

28. Q: - What should I attach to my on-line application?

    A: - Please attach a full marketing plan for the relevant territory or territories, a song file, bio and quotes or invoices on company letterhead for any initiatives over $2,000 not fully broken down in the Description box. Please don’t rely on attachments to convey important information. That should be done using your own text in the Description box.

29. Q: - If my release is advertised in a print ad that includes several other artists, can I still request funding from the Radio Starmaker Fund for this?

    A: - Yes. However, any advertisement that includes other artists will need to be pro-rated in order for the Radio Starmaker Fund to consider it as either a Significant Investment or a Funding Request. For example, if the total cost of the ad is $1,000.00 and it includes 5 different artists, you will be required to enter only $200.00 as either Significant Investment or a Funding Request in your application, as the Radio Starmaker Fund will only consider the costs associated with the artist who is applying for funding. You also need to indicate the amount is only the specific artist’s portion of the total.

30. Q: - Does the Radio Starmaker Fund consider retail co-op advertising as either Significant Investment or a Funding Request?

    A: - Yes. However you will be required to provide the Radio Starmaker Fund with detailed supporting invoices from the vendor (please note, the record company/distributor is not the vendor), verifying your co-op advertising initiatives. Flat fee programs are acceptable to include - the cost of discounting is not allowable.

31. Q: - What costs will the Radio Starmaker Fund cover in regard to Independent Radio Promoter’s Fees and Independent Publicist’s Fees for Funding Requests?

    A: - The Radio Starmaker Fund will only cover 3^rd party fees and disbursements when approved for funding for an Independent Radio Promoter’s Fees and/or Independent Publicist’s Fees. These fees and disbursements must be presented in a one-page, itemized invoice for the time period approved or in a one-page, itemized invoice for each month over the time period approved. As these categories are only funded for a maximum of 8 months, no more than 8 one-page, itemized invoices should be presented for each approved round. If the publicist or radio promoter is working other non-RSF approved projects during this same time period, the invoice must be pro-rated to only include those expenses related to the RSF funded artist.

32. Q: - What is a 3^rd party company?

    A: - The RSF defines a 3^rd party company as a company in which you own 40% or less. Additionally, in order to be considered 3^rd party, a sole proprietor or company must have at least three distinct sources of income from unaffiliated parties in a related field of work during the course of a calendar year.

33. Q: - Does the RSF fund any domestic touring or other domestic live appearances?

    A: - Yes. The RSF funds domestic touring and domestic live appearances for eligible applicants as part of a separate subsidy in the Domestic Touring Application. The caps and potential subsidies are as follows:

    Domestic Touring: Funding Request Amounts

    	Number of Dates Per Year	Per Appearance Subsidy
    Canada	35	$2,500.00

    You can apply for dates that take place before the deadline for the round in which you are applying. Only live appearances that have yet to take place will be considered for funding. Please refer to the Domestic Touring Application for further details and please note that touring or live appearance costs are not allowable in Domestic or International Marketing applications.

34. Q: - Does the RSF fund any international touring or other international live appearances?

    A: - Yes. The RSF funds international touring and international live appearances for eligible applicants as part of a separate subsidy in the International Touring Application. If you have tour dates in more than one international territory, you should combine all those dates on one International Touring application. You can also apply for domestic and international tour dates in the same round and you can apply for dates that take place before the deadline for the round in which you are applying. Only live appearances that have yet to take place will be considered for funding. The caps and potential subsidies per territory are as follows:

    International Touring: Funding Request Amounts

    	Number of Dates Per Year	Per Appearance Subsidy
    Australia / New Zealand	15	$2,500.00
    France	20	$2,500.00
    Germany	20	$2,500.00
    Japan	15	$2,500.00
    Rest of Europe	20	$2,500.00
    Rest of World	20	$2,500.00
    U.K.	20	$2,500.00
    U.S.	40	$2,500.00

    Please refer to the International Touring Application for further details.

35. Q: - Does the RSF fund any international marketing initiatives?

    A: - Yes. The international marketing program is open to eligible applicants who have a release either licensed or distributed in an international territory. You can apply for international marketing funds in multiple markets in the same application. If you plan to apply for marketing in more than one international territory, you should combine all those requests in one International Marketing application. If you are applying for international marketing funds, the release must be within 6 months of the deadline for the round in which you apply in each relevant territory. Only marketing initiatives which have yet to take place will be considered for funding. If approved, the money will be provided as a subsidy. Approved applicants can potentially be funded two times per territory per release. This will be seed money for the project – not enough to cover the entire marketing campaign for a release. Artists signed to major labels or whose release is licensed to major labels in a specific territory will not be eligible to receive this funding in that territory. The potential subsidies per territory are as follows:

    International Marketing: Funding Request Limits Per Round

    Territory	Full-length Distributed Release	Full-length Licensed Release	Bundle Distributed or Licensed Release
    Australia / New Zealand	$10,000.00	$5,000.00	$5,000.00
    France	$20,000.00	$10,000.00	$10,000.00
    Germany	$20,000.00	$10,000.00	$10,000.00
    Japan	$10,000.00	$5,000.00	$5,000.00
    Rest of Europe	$10,000.00	$5,000.00	$5,000.00
    Rest of World	$10,000.00	$5,000.00	$5,000.00
    U.K.	$20,000.00	$10,000.00	$10,000.00
    U.S.	$20,000.00	$10,000.00	$10,000.00

    Please refer to the International Marketing Application for further details.

If I’m Approved For RSF Funding, What Happens Next?

36. Q: - Once my application is approved, will I get all of my approved funding at once?

    A: - All approved applicants will receive their Radio Starmaker funding according to the Radio Starmaker Fund contract.

    • For Domestic Marketing, the first 50% of the approved funding will be released once both the label and artist signed RSF contracts have been received.

    • The second 50% of funding will be sent upon delivery of original invoices and proof of payment to the RSF online fulfillment system substantiating the remaining 50% of the expenses requested. Invoices for both Significant Investment and Funding Requests cannot be split among different uses, either domestically or internationally. Invoices must be separate for each initiative and in each territory. Although we do not ask that you provide us with the hard copies of any receipts, cancelled cheques or invoices in regard to your Significant Investment, you will be required to provide the Radio Starmaker Fund with a detailed accounting of monies invested by you in your project.

    • If you are approved for an International Marketing Application you will be paid 50% of the approved funding upon receipt of your signed RSF contract(s). The final 50% of funding will be paid to you upon completion of your approved initiatives, along with proof of release and a written summary outlining the spends made, sales and the outcome of the spending in each funded territory. Also, if you applied for international marketing monies from FACTOR for the same release that you were approved for by the RSF, you are required to inform FACTOR of the details of your RSF grant.

    • If you are approved for a touring program you will be paid 50% of the approved funding (for confirmed tour dates only) upon receipt of your signed RSF contract(s) and the final 50% of funding will be paid to you upon completion of your tour and written confirmation of your tour dates/live appearances (date/city/venue). Also, if you applied for domestic or international touring dates from FACTOR for the same appearances that you were approved for by the RSF you are required to inform FACTOR of the details of your RSF grant.

    • You will have up to a maximum of 12 months from the deadline for the round to submit your final paperwork to the Radio Starmaker Fund for payment representing 100% of the total approved funding. Once your file has been fully reconciled, any unused portion of your approved funding will be reallocated back into the Fund and will no longer be available to you.
      
      The RSF Board of Directors has adopted a zero tolerance policy in regard to the late files. Failure to file complete documentation in time to meet your final funding claims deadline will result in the forfeiting of your funding and repayment of any RSF funding you have received to date for your project.

    Please note: All tour program funding will be paid to the artist or artist representative unless otherwise indicated.

37. Q: - Once I submit my application, how will I know if I have been approved for Radio Starmaker funding?

    A: - The Board of Directors of the Radio Starmaker Fund will meet within approximately one month of the application deadline to review all submitted applications. The dates of our Board meetings are posted on our website. The Board makes allocations based on available funding and in accordance with the fundamental objectives of the Fund. Consequently, not all of the funding sought will be approved in most cases. You will be informed by the Radio Starmaker Fund within approximately 5 business days of the Board meeting as to whether or not your application has been approved. You will then be asked to sign a letter of agreement (Radio Starmaker Fund contract) outlining your approved Significant Investment and Funding Requests for Domestic Marketing applications and dates for touring applications. Both the artist and label will be required to sign and upload the contract to the RSF website within 90 days of the application deadline for the round in which you have been approved for funding. Once we have received the fully signed RSF contracts, every effort will be made to send your first payment as quickly as possible.

38. Q: - If my application is not approved for funding do I have any recourse?

    A: - The Board of Directors of the Radio Starmaker Fund shall make the final determination on all funding requests and their decision is final and binding and not subject to review or appeal.

39. Q: - If my application is approved by the Radio Starmaker Fund, am I required to include the Radio Starmaker Fund logo in any advertising, etc.?

    A: - No.

40. Q: - What happens if I am approved for funding in one category that would best serve my project if spent in another category? Can I use that money for something else?

    A: - The Radio Starmaker Fund is committed to adapting to the changing needs of artists and labels and every effort will be made to accommodate your situation (all substantial changes must be approved in writing prior to the change taking place). The protocol to make a change request in our system is to enter the change request in the “alternate request” section of your claim (where you would upload your paperwork). Kindly be sure to void the original request(s) you are asking to change or any initiatives/dates that will not be happening. We will be electronically notified of the request and will either approve it or let you know if there’s a problem. You will then be notified of our decision through an email that will be sent to you. Please note – we cannot approve any changes that have already happened. For those, the change requests will have to be reviewed when the final paperwork is received but you always want to try to make sure there’s no issues before you make changes – not after.

    Any alteration to your approved funding initiatives without the Radio Starmaker Fund’s prior written consent may invalidate your funding. You will be permitted to alter portions of your Significant Investment by moving any allowed investment from one category to another Radio Starmaker Fund qualifying category, however you will be required to inform the Radio Starmaker Fund of such changes (see above). Regardless of any alterations to your Significant Investment categories, you are required to make the investment as indicated in your approved application. By signing the Email Notification Letter you agree to return 100% of any funding received from the Radio Starmaker Fund in the event that you do not have consent for alterations in funding initiatives or you do not make the total approved Significant Investment, as determined by the Board of Directors in their sole and absolute discretion.

    All approved funding must be spent no later than 8 months after each round’s application deadline. Requests to change approved funding that are made in the last 2 months of the spending period will not be considered outside of extraordinary circumstances.

41. Q: - If I file an application and my release date for my record changes, will it still be eligible for funding?

    A: - If your release date changes from the time you submit your application, you will be required to inform the Radio Starmaker Fund office. The release must be made commercially available in each relevant territory within 6 months of the deadline for the round in which you apply. If you do not meet these requirements you will be asked to reapply and return any funding you have already received. Any funding you have been approved for will be reallocated back into the Fund and will no longer be available to you.