Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers based on established financial and royalty-accounting practices.
What does Studio Budgets actually do?
Studio Budgets provides financial analysis and advisory services focused on music royalties. This includes reviewing royalty statements, identifying inconsistencies, explaining earnings, and supporting audit readiness. We help creators understand how money flows through their catalog and where questions should be asked.
Are you a law firm or collection agency?
No. Studio Budgets is not a law firm, collection agency, or talent representative. Our work is financial and advisory in nature. We do not provide legal representation, negotiate on your behalf unless separately agreed, or collect funds.
Do you guarantee that missing royalties will be recovered?
No. Industry standards do not permit guarantees in royalty analysis or audit work. Outcomes depend on third-party reporting, contract terms, usage data, and the cooperation of labels, distributors, and platforms.
How long does a royalty review or audit process take?
Timelines vary based on catalog size, reporting complexity, and data availability. In general, an initial financial review typically requires several weeks. Formal audits, when pursued, often take months due to third-party response cycles.
What information do I need to provide?
Common materials include royalty statements, distribution reports, publishing statements, contracts or deal terms, and usage data where available. The specific requirements depend on your rights profile and revenue streams.
Who benefits most from Studio Budgets’ services?
Creators with active catalogs, multiple revenue sources, backend participation, or long-term distribution relationships benefit most. The more complex the reporting environment, the greater the value of structured review.
Is my financial information kept confidential?
Yes. Financial and royalty data is treated as confidential and handled using reasonable administrative and technical safeguards consistent with professional advisory standards. Absolute security cannot be guaranteed.
Do you work with independent artists and labels?
Yes. We work with independent artists, producers, songwriters, catalog owners, and independent labels, as well as their managers and business teams.
What happens after the review?
After findings are documented, you decide next steps. This may include requesting clarification from payors, engaging legal counsel, preparing for an audit, or simply using the information for planning and negotiation.