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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why become a member?
    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.
  • What is the eligibility criteria for membership?
    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.
  • Do SWA members need to re-register their works with SRAI?
    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.
  • How long will a writer receive royalties?
    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.
  • What is the Membership fees? Is the membership fee recurring?
    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.
  • Is there a separate cost for registering works?
    No. Members can register an unlimited number of works with SRAI at no cost.
  • Do box office collections generate royalties?
    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.
  • Do TV and OTT writers receive royalties?
    Yes. Royalties apply from the first episode of broadcast or streaming.
  • Are SWA and SRAI different entities?
    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.
  • Do SRAI members receive royalties from abroad?
    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.
  • Will members be informed about their royalties?
    Yes. Before distribution, members receive a detailed statement outlining the royalty amount and sources of income.
  • Do foreign copyright societies charge administration fees?
    Yes. International societies deduct admin fees before transferring royalties to SRAI, which then deducts its own standard admin charges.
  • Does the tariff scheme specify individual royalty amounts?
    No. The tariff outlines negotiated rates with broadcasters, digital platforms, and public performances. Actual royalties depend on usage, TRP ratings, and viewership.
  • Are royalties from abroad subject to tax?
    Yes. SRAI follows the double taxation rules under Sections 90, 90A, and 91 of the Income Tax Act.
  • What are the total deductions from royalties?
    For the first two years, deductions total 30% (20% admin charges + 10% TDS). Thereafter, the admin fee will be determined at the AGM.
  • Is GST deducted from royalties?
    No. SRAI charges 18% GST to end users and transfers it to GST-registered members. Members are responsible for paying their GST.
  • What taxes apply to royalties?
    A 10% TDS deduction applies to distributed royalties.
  • What is the SRAI administration fee?
    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.
  • How is royalty shared among multiple authors of a work?
    Royalties are distributed based on contribution—whether the author wrote the story, screenplay, or dialogues. Specific weightages are detailed in the Distribution Policy.
  • Why are producers members of SRAI?
    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.
  • How is royalty distributed among members?
    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.
  • Can members join the Board of Directors?
    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.
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