Industries in the Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries subsector group establishments involved in the production and distribution of motion pictures and sound recordings. While producers and distributors of motion pictures and sound recordings issue works for sale as traditional publishers do, the processes are sufficiently different to warrant placing establishments engaged in these activities in a separate subsector. Production is typically a complex process that involves several distinct types of establishments that are engaged in activities, such as contracting with performers, creating the film or sound content, and providing technical postproduction services. Film distribution is often to exhibitors, such as theaters and broadcasters, rather than through the wholesale and retail distribution chain. When the product is in a mass-produced form, NAICS treats production and distribution as the major economic activity as it does in the Publishing Industries subsector, rather than as a subsidiary activity to the manufacture of such products.
This subsector does not include establishments primarily engaged in the wholesale distribution of videocassettes and sound recordings, such as compact discs and audio tapes; these establishments are included in the Wholesale Trade sector. Reproduction of videocassettes and sound recordings that is carried out separately from establishments engaged in production and distribution is treated in NAICS as a manufacturing activity.
5121 Motion Picture and Video Industries
This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in the production and/or
distribution of motion pictures, videos, television programs, or commercials; in the exhibition
of motion pictures; or in the provision of postproduction and related services.
51211 Motion Picture and Video Production
See industry description for 512110 below.
512110 Motion Picture and Video Production
51212 Motion Picture and Video Distribution
See industry description for 512120 below.
512120 Motion Picture and Video Distribution
51213 Motion Picture and Video Exhibition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating motion picture theaters
and/or exhibiting motion pictures or videos at film festivals, and so forth.
512131 Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive-Ins)
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating motion picture
theaters (except drive-ins) and/or exhibiting motion pictures or videos at film festivals, and so
forth.
Learn about operating an Art Film Theater.
| 2002 NAICS | 1997 NAICS | 1987 SIC | Corresponding Index Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512131 | 512131 | 7832 | Cinemas |
| 512131 | 512131 | 7832 | Film festivals exhibitors |
| 512131 | 512131 | 7832 | Motion picture exhibition |
| 512131 | 512131 | 7832 | Motion picture exhibitors for airlines |
| 512131 | 512131 | 7832 | Motion picture exhibitors, itinerant |
| 512131 | 512131 | 7832 | Motion picture theaters, indoor |
| 512131 | 512131 | 7832 | Movie theaters (except drive-in) |
| 512131 | 512131 | 7832 | Theaters, motion picture (except drive-in) |
| 512131 | 512131 | 7832 | Theaters, motion picture, indoor |
512132 Drive-In Motion Picture Theaters
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating drive-in motion
picture theaters.
| 2002 NAICS | 1997 NAICS | 1987 SIC | Corresponding Index Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512132 | 512132 | 7833 | Drive-in motion picture theaters |
| 512132 | 512132 | 7833 | Motion picture theaters, drive-in |
| 512132 | 512132 | 7833 | Movie theaters, drive-in |
| 512132 | 512132 | 7833 | Open air motion picture theaters |
| 512132 | 512132 | 7833 | Theaters, motion picture, drive-in |
| 512132 | 512132 | 7833 | Theaters, outdoor motion picture |
51219 Postproduction Services and Other Motion Picture and
Video Industries
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing postproduction services and
other services to the motion picture industry, including specialized motion picture or video
postproduction services, such as editing, film/tape transfers, titling, subtitling, credits,
closed captioning, and computer-produced graphics, animation and special effects, as well as
developing and processing motion picture film.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
Mass duplicating video tapes and film - classified in Industry 33461, Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media;
Providing audio services for film, television, and video productions - classified in Industry 512240, Sound Recording Studios;
Renting wardrobes and costumes for motion picture production - classified in Industry 532220, Formal Wear and Costume Rental;
Renting studio equipment - classified in Industry 532490, Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing; and
Casting actors and actresses with production companies - classified in Industry 561310, Employment Placement Agencies.
512191 Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing specialized motion
picture or video postproduction services, such as editing, film/tape transfers, subtitling,
credits, closed captioning, and animation and special effects.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
Mass duplicating video tapes and film - classified in Industry 33461, Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media;
Developing and processing motion picture film - classified in U.S. Industry 512199, Other Motion Picture and Video Industries;
Providing audio services for film, television, and video productions - classified in Industry 512240, Sound Recording Studios; and
Acquiring distribution rights and distributing film and video productions to motion picture theaters, television networks and stations, and exhibitors - classified in Industry 512120, Motion Picture and Video Distribution.
| 2002 NAICS | 1997 NAICS | 1987 SIC | Corresponding Index Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Closed captioning services, taped material |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Film or tape closed captioning |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Film or video transfer services |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Motion picture animation, post-production |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Motion picture or video editing services |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Motion picture or video post-production services |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Motion picture or video titling |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Motion picture production special effects, post-production |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Post-production facilities, motion picture or video |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Post-synchronization sound dubbing |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Sound dubbing services, motion picture |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Special effects for motion picture production, post-production |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Subtitling of motion picture film or video |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Tape transfer service |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Teleproduction services |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Titling of motion picture film or video |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Video conversion services (i.e., between formats) |
| 512191 | 512191 | 7819 | Video post-production services |
512199 Other Motion Picture and Video Industries
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing motion picture and
video services (except motion picture and video production, distribution, exhibition, and
teleproduction and other postproduction services).
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
Renting wardrobes and costumes for motion picture production - classified in Industry 532220, Formal Wear and Costume Rental;
Renting studio equipment - classified in Industry 532490, Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing;
Casting actors and actresses with production companies - classified in Industry 561310, Employment Placement Agencies;
Motion picture and video production - classified in Industry 512110, Motion Picture and Video Production;
Motion picture and video distribution - classified in Industry 512120, Motion Picture and Video Distribution;
Teleproduction and other postproduction services - classified in U.S. Industry 512191, Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services; and
Motion picture and video exhibition - classified in Industry 51213, Motion Picture and Video Exhibition.
| 2002 NAICS | 1997 NAICS | 1987 SIC | Corresponding Index Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512199 | 512199 | 7829 | Booking agencies, motion picture |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7829 | Booking agencies, motion picture or video productions |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Film libraries, motion picture or video, stock footage |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Film processing laboratories, motion picture |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Laboratory services, motion picture |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Libraries, motion picture stock footage film |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Libraries, videotape, stock footage |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7829 | Motion picture booking agencies |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Motion picture film laboratories |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Motion picture film libraries, stock footage |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Motion picture film reproduction for theatrical distribution |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Motion picture laboratories |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Reproduction of motion picture films for theatrical distribution |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Stock footage film libraries |
| 512199 | 512199 | 7819 | Videotape libraries, stock footage |
5122 Sound Recording Industries
This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in producing and distributing
musical recordings, in publishing music, or in providing sound recording and related services.
51221 Record Production
See industry description for 512210 below.
512210 Record Production
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in record production (e.g., tapes, CDs).
These establishments contract with artists and arrange and finance the production of original
master recordings. Establishments in this industry hold the copyright to the master recording and
derive most of their revenues from the sales, leasing, and licensing of master recordings.
Establishments in this industry do not have their own duplication or distribution capabilities.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
Releasing, promoting, and distributing recordings - classified in Industry 512220, Integrated Record Production/Distribution;
Promoting and authorizing the use of musical works in various media - classified in Industry 512230, Music Publishers;
Mass duplication services - classified in U.S. Industry 334612, Prerecorded Compact Disc (except Software), Tape, and Record Reproducing;
Merchant wholesale distribution of blank audio cassettes, tapes, and discs - classified in Industry 423690, Other Electronic Parts and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers;
Merchant wholesale distribution of prerecorded audio cassettes, tapes, and discs - classified in Industry 423990, Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers;
Managing the careers of artists - classified in Industry 711410, Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers and Other Public Figures;
Providing facilities and technical expertise for recording musical performances - classified in Industry 512240, Sound Recording Studios; and
Producing albums on contract as independent producers - classified in Industry 711510, Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers.
| 2002 NAICS | 1997 NAICS | 1987 SIC | Corresponding Index Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512210 | 512210 | Master recording leasing and licensing | |
| 512210 | 512210 | 8999 | Record producers (except independent) |
| 512210 | 512210 | 8999 | Record production (except independent record producers) without duplication or di |
51222 Integrated Record Production/Distribution
See industry description for 512220 below.
512220 Integrated Record Production/Distribution
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in releasing, promoting, and
distributing sound recordings. These establishments manufacture or arrange for the manufacture of
recordings, such as audio tapes/cassettes and compact discs, and promote and distribute these
products to wholesalers, retailers, or directly to the public. Establishments in this industry
produce master recordings themselves, or obtain reproduction and distribution rights to master
recordings produced by record production companies or other integrated record companies.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
Contracting with musical artists, arranging for the production of master recordings, and marketing the reproduction rights - classified in Industry 512210, Record Production;
Providing facilities and technical expertise for recording musical performances - classified in Industry 512240, Sound Recording Studios;
Mass duplication of recorded products - classified in U.S. Industry 334612, Prerecorded Compact Disc (except Software), Tape, and Record Reproducing;
Merchant wholesale distribution of prerecorded audio cassettes, tapes, and discs - classified in Industry 423990, Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers; and
Retailing records, tapes, and compact discs without producing recordings - classified in Sector 44-45, Retail Trade.
| 2002 NAICS | 1997 NAICS | 1987 SIC | Corresponding Index Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512220 | 512220 | 3652 | Integrated record companies (i.e., releasing, promoting, distributing) |
| 512220 | 512220 | 3652 | Integrated record production and distribution |
| 512220 | 512220 | 3652 | Musical recording, releasing, promoting, and distributing |
| 512220 | 512220 | 3652 | Prerecorded audio tapes and compact discs integrated manufacture, release, and di |
| 512220 | 512220 | 3652 | Record releasing, promoting, and distributing combined with mass duplication |
| 512220 | 512220 | 3652 | Sound recording, integrated production, reproduction, release, and distribution |
| 512220 | 512220 | 3652 | Sound recording, releasing, promoting, and distributing |
51223 Music Publishers
See industry description for 512230 below.
512230 Music Publishers
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in acquiring and registering copyrights
for musical compositions in accordance with law and promoting and authorizing the use of these
compositions in recordings, radio, television, motion pictures, live performances, print, or
other media. Establishments in this industry represent the interests of the songwriter or other
owners of musical compositions to produce revenues from the use of such works, generally through
licensing agreements. These establishments may own the copyright or act as administrator of the
music copyrights on behalf of copyright owners. Publishers of music books and sheet music are
included in this industry.
Cross-References.
Establishments primarily engaged as independent songwriters who act as their own publishers are classified in Industry 711510, Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers.
| 2002 NAICS | 1997 NAICS | 1987 SIC | Corresponding Index Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512230 | 512230 | 2731 | Music book (i.e., bound sheet music) publishers |
| 512230 | 512230 | 2731 | Music book (i.e., bound sheet music) publishers and printing combined |
| 512230 | 512230 | 8999 | Music copyright authorizing use |
| 512230 | 512230 | 8999 | Music copyright buying and licensing |
| 512230 | 512230 | Music publishers | |
| 512230 | 512230 | 2741 | Music, sheet, publishers and printing combined |
| 512230 | 512230 | 2741 | Publishers, music |
| 512230 | 512230 | 2741 | Sheet music publishers |
| 512230 | 512230 | 2741 | Sheet music publishers and printing combined |
| 512230 | 512230 | 2741 | Song publishers |
| 512230 | 512230 | 2741 | Song publishers and printing combined |
51224 Sound Recording Studios
See industry description for 512240 below.
512240 Sound Recording Studios
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing the facilities and
technical expertise for sound recording in a studio. This industry includes establishments that
provide audio production and postproduction services to produce master recordings. These
establishments may provide audio services for film, television, and video productions.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
Releasing, promoting, and distributing sound recordings - classified in Industry 512220, Integrated Record Production/Distribution;
Providing mass duplication of recorded products - classified in U.S. Industry 334612, Prerecorded Compact Disc (except Software), Tape, and Record Reproducing; and
Contracting with musical artists, arranging for the production of master recordings, and marketing the reproduction rights - classified in Industry 512210, Record Production.
| 2002 NAICS | 1997 NAICS | 1987 SIC | Corresponding Index Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512240 | 512240 | 7389 | Audio recording post-production services |
| 512240 | 512240 | 7389 | Recording studios, sound, operating on a contract or fee basis |
| 512240 | 512240 | 7389 | Sound recording studios (except integrated record companies) |
51229 Other Sound Recording Industries
See industry description for 512290 below.
512290 Other Sound Recording Industries
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing sound recording services
(except record production, distribution, music publishing, and sound recording in a studio).
Establishments in this industry provide services, such as the audio recording of meetings and
conferences.
Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in
Producing records, including contracting with musical artists, arranging and financing the production of master recordings, and marketing the reproduction rights - classified in Industry 512210, Record Production;
Releasing, promoting, and distributing sound recordings - classified in Industry 512220, Integrated Record Production/Distribution;
Promoting and authorizing the use of musical works in various media - classified in Industry 512230, Music Publishers;
Providing facilities and expertise for recording musical performance - classified in Industry 512240, Sound Recording Studios;
Providing mass duplication of recorded products - classified in U.S. Industry 334612, Prerecorded Compact Disc (except Software), Tape, and Record Reproducing; and
Organizing and promoting the presentation of performing arts productions - classified in Industry Group 7113, Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports and Similar Events.
| 2002 NAICS | 1997 NAICS | 1987 SIC | Corresponding Index Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 512290 | 512290 | 7389 | Audio recording of meetings or conferences |
| 512290 | 512290 | 7389 | Music program distribution, pre-recorded |
| 512290 | 512290 | 7922 | Radio program tape production (except independent producers) |
| 512290 | 512290 | 7389 | Recording books on tape or disc (except publishers) |
| 512290 | 512290 | 7389 | Recording seminars and conferences, audio |
| 512290 | 512290 | 7389 | Stock music and other audio services |
| 512290 | 512290 | 7389 | Stock sound library (e.g., general background sounds, stock music) |
Information courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau.
