Question 1

Why become a member?

Accepted Answer

Members receive royalties for the exploitation of their work outside of cinema halls. SRAI protects their right to collect royalties and provides legal assistance for royalty and contractual matters. Members also benefit from welfare measures.

Question 2

What is the eligibility criteria for membership?

Accepted Answer

A scriptwriter is eligible for SRAI membership if the writer has written a script for a theatrically released feature film, a TV show broadcast on a channel, or an OTT show/film on a paid/subscription-based digital platform. Scriptwriters of Documentaries and Animation films and shows are also eligible.

Question 3

Do SWA members need to re-register their works with SRAI?

Accepted Answer

SWA registers scripts (story, screenplay, dialogues, and lyrics) for copyright protection. SRAI registers the ‘Work,’ which includes the film/TV show/OTT/documentary and animation’s title and the names of the producer, director, production house, and the release/broadcast/streamed, date.

Question 4

How long will a writer receive royalties?

Accepted Answer

Royalties are payable for the writer’s lifetime and for 60 years after their passing. Members must appoint a legal heir to collect royalties on their behalf.

Question 5

What is the Membership fees? Is the membership fee recurring?

Accepted Answer

The membership fees is Rs 5,000.00 plus GST @18%. Membership fees is a one-time payment with no annual renewal or subscription fees.

Question 6

Is there a separate cost for registering works?

Accepted Answer

No. Members can register an unlimited number of works with SRAI at no cost.

Question 7

Do box office collections generate royalties?

Accepted Answer

No. Members do not receive royalties from box office collections. Royalties are derived from the licensing fees when films are sold to broadcasters and digital platforms, as well as revenue from broadcasts, streaming, merchandising, and other future exploitations.

Question 8

Do TV and OTT writers receive royalties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Royalties apply from the first episode of broadcast or streaming.

Question 9

Are SWA and SRAI different entities?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SWA is a registered trade union for scriptwriters in Western and Northern India, while SRAI is India’s official Copyright Society for scriptwriters. They are independent entities with no official connection.

Question 10

Do SRAI members receive royalties from abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SRAI establishes reciprocal agreements with international copyright societies. Members receive royalties if their work is shown in those countries with whom SRAI has reciprocal agreements.

Question 11

Will members be informed about their royalties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before distribution, members receive a detailed statement outlining the royalty amount and sources of income.

Question 12

Do foreign copyright societies charge administration fees?

Accepted Answer

Yes. International societies deduct admin fees before transferring royalties to SRAI, which then deducts its own standard admin charges.

Question 13

Does the tariff scheme specify individual royalty amounts?

Accepted Answer

No. The tariff outlines negotiated rates with broadcasters, digital platforms, and public performances. Actual royalties depend on usage, TRP ratings, and viewership.

Question 14

Are royalties from abroad subject to tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SRAI follows the double taxation rules under Sections 90, 90A, and 91 of the Income Tax Act.

Question 15

What are the total deductions from royalties?

Accepted Answer

For the first two years, deductions total 30% (20% admin charges + 10% TDS). Thereafter, the admin fee will be determined at the AGM.

Question 16

Is GST deducted from royalties?

Accepted Answer

No. SRAI charges 18% GST to end users and transfers it to GST-registered members. Members are responsible for paying their GST.

Question 17

What taxes apply to royalties?

Accepted Answer

A 10% TDS deduction applies to distributed royalties.

Question 18

What is the SRAI administration fee?

Accepted Answer

For the first two years, SRAI can charge up to 20% of collected royalties. Thereafter, the fee will range between 7% and 19% as decided by the General Body.

Question 19

How is royalty shared among multiple authors of a work?

Accepted Answer

Royalties are distributed based on contribution—whether the author wrote the story, screenplay, or dialogues. Specific weightages are detailed in the Distribution Policy.

Question 20

Why are producers members of SRAI?

Accepted Answer

Under the Copyright Act, writers share royalties equally with the producer/owner of the copyrighted work. To claim their share, producers/owners must be SRAI members.

Question 21

How is royalty distributed among members?

Accepted Answer

Royalties are allocated based on viewership and TRP ratings. Higher-rated shows/films receive a larger share, while lower-ranked works receive a proportionate amount.

Question 22

Can members join the Board of Directors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any eligible member (producer/owner or author) can contest elections for a board position as per the Articles of Association. Elections are held biennially.

Frequently Asked Questions