2002 NAICS Definitions
512 Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries

512 Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries

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

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in producing, or producing and distributing motion pictures, videos, television programs, or television commercials.

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

• Producing motion pictures and videos on contract as independent producers--are classified in Industry 711510, Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers;
• Providing teleproduction and other postproduction services--are classified in U.S. Industry 512191, Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services;
• Providing video taping of weddings, special events, and/or business inventories--are classified in Industry 54192, Photographic Services;
• Providing motion picture laboratory services--are classified in U.S. Industry 512199, Other Motion Picture and Video Industries;
• Providing mass duplication and packaging of video tapes--are classified in U.S. Industry 334612, Prerecorded Compact Disc (except Software), Tape, and Record Reproducing; and
• Acquiring distribution rights and distributing motion pictures and videos--are classified in Industry 512120, Motion Picture and Video Distribution.

Go to:

No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

2002 NAICS	1997 NAICS	1987 SIC	Corresponding Index Entries
512110	512110	7812	Animated cartoon production
512110	512110	7812	Animated cartoon production and distribution
512110	512110	7812	Commercials, television, production
512110	512110	7812	Film studios producing films
512110	512110	7812	Films, motion picture production
512110	512110	7812	Films, motion picture production and distribution
512110	512110	7812	Instructional video production
512110	512110	7812	Motion picture and video production
512110	512110	7812	Motion picture and video production and distribution
512110	512110	7812	Motion picture production
512110	512110	7812	Motion picture production and distribution
512110	512110	7812	Motion picture studios, producing motion pictures
512110	512110	7812	Movie production and distribution
512110	512110	7812	Music video production
512110	512110	7812	Music video production and distribution
512110	512110	7812	Program producing, television
512110	512110	7812	Television commercial production
512110	512110	7812	Television show production
512110	512110	7812	Video production
512110	512110	7812	Video production and distribution

51212 Motion Picture and Video Distribution

See industry description for 512120 below.

512120 Motion Picture and Video Distribution

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in acquiring distribution rights and distributing film and video productions to motion picture theaters, television networks and stations, and exhibitors.

Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

• Producing and distributing motion pictures and videos--are classified in Industry 512110, Motion Picture and Video Production;
• Merchant wholesale distribution of blank video cassette tapes and discs--are classified in Industry 423690, Other Electronic Parts and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers;
• Merchant wholesale distribution of prerecorded video cassette tapes and discs--are classified in Industry 423990, Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers;
• Providing mass duplication and packaging of video tapes--are classified in U.S. Industry 334612, Prerecorded Compact Disc (except Software), Tape, and Record Reproducing;
• Providing motion picture footage (via film libraries) to producers--are classified in U.S. Industry 512199, Other Motion Picture and Video Industries;
• Renting video tapes and discs to the general public--are classified in Industry 532230, Video Tape and Disc Rental; and
• Selling video cassettes and discs to the general public--are classified in Industry 451220, Prerecorded Tape, Compact Disc and Record Stores.

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No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

2002 NAICS	1997 NAICS	1987 SIC	Corresponding Index Entries
512120	512120	7822	Animated cartoon distribution
512120	512120	7822	Film distribution agencies
512120	512120	7822	Film distribution, motion picture and video
512120	512120	7829	Film libraries, commercial distribution
512120	512120	7822	Motion picture distribution exclusive of production
512120	512120	7822	Motion picture film distributors
512120	512120	7829	Motion picture film libraries
512120	512120	7822	Tape distribution for television
512120	512120	7822	Television show syndicators

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.

Go to:

No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

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.

Go to:

No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

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--are classified in Industry 33461, Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media;
• Providing audio services for film, television, and video productions--are classified in Industry 512240, Sound Recording Studios;
• Renting wardrobes and costumes for motion picture production--are classified in Industry 532220, Formal Wear and Costume Rental;
• Renting studio equipment--are classified in Industry 532490, Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing; and
• Casting actors and actresses with production companies--are 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--are classified in Industry 33461, Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media;
• Developing and processing motion picture film--are classified in U.S. Industry 512199, Other Motion Picture and Video Industries;
• Providing audio services for film, television, and video productions--are 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--are classified in Industry 512120, Motion Picture and Video Distribution.

Go to:

No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

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--are classified in Industry 532220, Formal Wear and Costume Rental;
• Renting studio equipment--are classified in Industry 532490, Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing;
• Casting actors and actresses with production companies--are classified in Industry 561310, Employment Placement Agencies;
• Motion picture and video production--are classified in Industry 512110, Motion Picture and Video Production;
• Motion picture and video distribution--are classified in Industry 512120, Motion Picture and Video Distribution;
• Teleproduction and other postproduction services--are classified in U.S. Industry 512191, Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services; and
• Motion picture and video exhibition--are classified in Industry 51213, Motion Picture and Video Exhibition.

Go to:

No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

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--are classified in Industry 512220, Integrated Record Production/Distribution;
• Promoting and authorizing the use of musical works in various media--are classified in Industry 512230, Music Publishers;
• Mass duplication services--are 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--are classified in Industry 423690, Other Electronic Parts and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers;
• Merchant wholesale distribution of prerecorded audio cassettes, tapes, and discs--are classified in Industry 423990, Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers;
• Managing the careers of artists--are classified in Industry 711410, Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers and Other Public Figures;
• Providing facilities and technical expertise for recording musical performances--are classified in Industry 512240, Sound Recording Studios; and
• Producing albums on contract as independent producers--are classified in Industry 711510, Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers.

Go to:

No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

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--are classified in Industry 512210, Record Production;
• Providing facilities and technical expertise for recording musical performances--are classified in Industry 512240, Sound Recording Studios;
• Mass duplication of recorded products--are 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-- are classified in Industry 423990, Other Miscellaneous Durable Goods Merchant Wholesalers; and
• Retailing records, tapes, and compact discs without producing recordings--are classified in Sector 44-45, Retail Trade.

Go to:

No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

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.

Go to:

No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

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--are classified in Industry 512220, Integrated Record Production/Distribution;
• Providing mass duplication of recorded products--are 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--are classified in Industry 512210, Record Production.

Go to:

No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

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--are classified in Industry 512210, Record Production;
• Releasing, promoting, and distributing sound recordings--are classified in Industry 512220, Integrated Record Production/Distribution;
• Promoting and authorizing the use of musical works in various media--are classified in Industry 512230, Music Publishers;
• Providing facilities and expertise for recording musical performance--are classified in Industry 512240, Sound Recording Studios;
• Providing mass duplication of recorded products--are 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--are classified in Industry Group 7113, Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports and Similar Events.

Go to:

No change 1997 to 2002

2002 NAICS to 1987 SIC

1997 Economic Census

Bridge Between 1997 NAICS and SIC

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)

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