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Calderstone Productions
Calderstone Productions
Calderstone Productions
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Calderstone Productions Limited is the London-based subsidiary of Universal Music Group that administers the Beatles' recorded music output that was originally owned by EMI. These works were released on EMI's Parlophone label in the United Kingdom and by Capitol Records in the United States, from 1962 to 1968; and then by the Beatles' own EMI-distributed Apple Records label from 1968 to 1970.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Universal Music acquired the Beatles' catalog with its 2013 purchase of EMI, along with the rights to the EMI and Capitol trademarks, and established Calderstone (initially named "Beatles Holdco Ltd.") to administer the Beatles' catalog worldwide.[1] As part of the deal, however, Universal was required by regulators to divest several EMI properties, most notably Parlophone, which it sold to Warner Music Group in 2013. Consequently, Calderstone currently releases Beatles recordings on the Apple label worldwide, and on Apple/Capitol in the United States, though reissues of Beatles albums originally released on the Parlophone label retain the Parlophone trademark (under license from Warner) as part of the original albums' artwork.[citation needed]

Calderstone also administers solo recordings by John Lennon and Ringo Starr originally released on the Apple label.[2] Paul McCartney's solo Apple recordings, however, are owned by his company MPL Communications, and since 2016 are distributed by Universal Music's Capitol Records unit.[3] Since 2023, George Harrison's solo recordings have been owned by Dark Horse Records and distributed by BMG.[4][5]

References

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Calderstone Productions

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Calderstone Productions Limited is a British private limited company and subsidiary of , specializing in the administration and holding of master copyrights for ' recorded music catalog, as well as select solo releases by former band members such as . Incorporated on 15 November 2012 under the initial name Beatles Holdco Limited, it was renamed Calderstone Productions Limited on 29 November 2012 and is registered with the UK company number 08295507. The company's primary nature of business is the reproduction of sound recordings (SIC code 18201), operating from its registered office at 4 Pancras Square, , N1C 4AG. As a of Universal Music Holdings Limited, a of the publicly traded N.V., Calderstone collaborates closely with Apple Corps Ltd., ' multimedia company, to manage licensing and distribution of these copyrights globally. This arrangement stems from 's acquisition of 's recorded music division in 2012, which included ' catalog previously held under . Notable activities include overseeing reissues and remastered editions of ' discography, such as the 2015 remastered compilation 1, the 2021 Dolby Atmos mixes for Let It Be, the 2023 single "Now and Then", and the expanded 2023 Red and Blue compilations, alongside solo projects like John Lennon's Imagine: The Ultimate Collection (2018) and : The Ultimate Collection (2024). Through these efforts, Calderstone ensures the preservation and commercial exploitation of one of the most influential music catalogs in history, generating significant from streaming, physical sales, and licensing deals.

History

Formation and EMI Acquisition

In September 2012, Universal Music Group (UMG) completed its acquisition of 's recorded music division for £1.2 billion (approximately $1.9 billion), following regulatory approvals from the and U.S. authorities earlier that month. This deal brought under UMG's control a vast array of historic catalogs, including ' recordings, which had been held by since the band's signing in 1962. The acquisition necessitated the creation of specialized entities to manage these high-value assets efficiently, particularly given antitrust conditions requiring divestitures of certain labels and catalogs. To oversee The Beatles' catalog specifically, Calderstone Productions Limited was incorporated on November 15, 2012, as a registered in the under company number 08295507. Initially established as Beatles Holdco Limited, the entity was renamed Calderstone Productions Limited just two weeks later, on November 29, 2012. Headquartered in at 4 Pancras Square, the company's nature of business is classified under SIC code 18201 for the reproduction of sound recordings, aligning with its focused role in administering . Calderstone Productions was formed explicitly to handle the copyrights and masters of ' releases previously managed by Ltd., facilitating their transfer to UMG. This included the original (UK) and Capitol (US) releases spanning 1962 to 1970, as well as recordings from the era starting in 1968, ensuring seamless continuity in catalog administration post-acquisition.

Name Change and Early Developments

Following Universal Music Group's $1.9 billion acquisition of EMI's recorded music division in 2012—which included the —Calderstone Productions, incorporated in November 2012, began operations as a to manage these assets, integrating into (UMe), UMG's catalog division. Calderstone Productions took on the role of master copyright holder and worldwide administrator for ' recordings, with U.S. distribution handled through . As part of the European Commission's conditions for approving UMG's EMI acquisition, the label group was divested to in a deal announced on February 7, 2013, and completed later that year, but UMG retained a perpetual license to use the Parlophone trademark specifically for ' recordings. Among its initial operational milestones, Calderstone Productions oversaw preparations for key reissues under Universal's distribution, including the November 2013 release of On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2, a 63-track compilation of radio performances.

Corporate Structure

Ownership by Universal Music Group

Calderstone Productions Limited serves as a wholly-owned subsidiary within the (UMG) hierarchy, specifically owned by Universal Music Holdings Limited, a UK-registered entity that holds 75% or more of its shares and voting rights. Headquartered at 4 Pancras Square in , the company operates as an active private limited entity incorporated on November 15, 2012, under UK registration number 08295507, with a nature of business classified as SIC 18201 (reproduction of sound recording). It files annual accounts and confirmation statements with , maintaining compliance as required for UK-registered firms, though specific revenue figures for Calderstone are not publicly disclosed. Positioned within UMG's global structure, Calderstone operates within the catalog division, (UMe), responsible for managing legacy and back-catalog assets across the group's operations in over 60 countries. This placement distinguishes it from UMG's frontline divisions, such as Interscope Geffen A&M or , which focus on developing and promoting active recording artists. Calderstone's role emphasizes archival preservation and strategic exploitation of historical recordings, aligning with UMe's mandate to maximize value from UMG's extensive catalog holdings. The ownership structure evolved following UMG's 2012 acquisition of EMI's recorded music business, which prompted the formation of Calderstone to consolidate specific catalog rights under UMG control. UMG's on September 21, 2021, on —marking a from parent company —introduced greater public accountability and diversified shareholder base, including major investors like and , but did not alter Calderstone's operational focus or status. As part of UMG, whose reached €11.108 billion in 2023 (equivalent to approximately $12.0 billion USD) and €11.834 billion in 2024, Calderstone benefits from the group's scale while adhering to centralized catalog governance.

Relationship with Apple Corps

Apple Corps Ltd. was founded in 1968 by the members of to oversee their business affairs, including music, films, and other multimedia ventures. As part of this structure, retains control over the band's branding, merchandising rights, and approvals for creative projects, while recording copyrights for the Beatles' sound recordings are administered by Calderstone Productions, a of (UMG). This division ensures that maintains oversight of the Beatles' legacy, distinct from the operational management of audio masters. Following UMG's 2012 acquisition of EMI's recorded music division for $1.9 billion, which included the Beatles' catalogue previously held by , Calderstone Productions was established as a dedicated entity to handle these assets. This move formalized joint agreements between UMG (via Calderstone) and for Beatles-related projects, often reflected in co-crediting on releases, such as © Ltd. for and ℗ Calderstone Productions Limited for phonographic rights. The arrangement streamlined administration under UMG while preserving ' veto power on licensing and exploitation. The division of responsibilities delineates clear boundaries: Apple Corps manages publishing rights (in collaboration with entities like for song compositions) and film-related assets, such as documentaries and feature films. In contrast, Calderstone focuses on sound recordings, including distribution, remastering approvals, and global marketing of the ' audio catalogue. Key collaborations in the 2010s, including the 2015 stereo remasters and subsequent compilations, exemplified this cooperative model, with providing creative direction and Calderstone handling production logistics.

Operations

Administration of Beatles Recordings

Calderstone Productions Limited serves as the primary entity responsible for administering the recorded music catalog of , a role established following Universal Music Group's acquisition of EMI's recorded music division in 2012. This includes oversight of copyrights and masters for the band's releases, ensuring their protection and on a global scale. The scope of the catalog encompasses over 200 official tracks from the band's 13 studio albums released between 1963 and 1970, supplemented by singles, extended plays (EPs), and compilations. These releases incorporate both mono and master recordings, preserving the original production formats across various media. Calderstone holds the phonogram (℗) rights to these sound recordings, a transfer from that maintains the integrity of the masters while complying with international copyright frameworks, including extensions under laws like the , which protects recordings for 95 years from publication. Distribution of the catalog operates through a structured model coordinated with : physical releases appear under the Apple label internationally (excluding the U.S.), and under Apple/Capitol in the United States, while digital platforms are managed via partnerships. This enables availability on streaming services such as and , facilitating worldwide access to the full discography since 2015. Ongoing maintenance involves archival preservation using original master tapes for remastering and reissues, anti-piracy measures to combat unauthorized distribution, and the granting of licenses for use in films, advertisements, and other media. These efforts ensure the catalog's longevity and commercial viability, distinct from the administration of individual former members' solo works.

Management of Solo Artists' Works

Calderstone Productions administers a select portion of solo recordings by former members, including those originally issued on transferred from following 's 2012 acquisition of the label's recorded music division, as well as other recordings held by UMG. This includes master recordings for John Lennon's albums such as Imagine (1971), originally released on , and (1980), originally on , which the company holds and manages under its umbrella. In a parallel arrangement, Calderstone oversees Ringo Starr's early solo works released on Apple, including Sentimental Journey (1970) and Ringo (1973), treating these masters similarly to the in terms of administration and distribution. These responsibilities stem from the original holdings, with Calderstone established specifically to handle such copyrights post-acquisition. Notably excluded from Calderstone's purview are Paul McCartney's solo Apple recordings, which are owned by his and have been distributed by since a 2016 worldwide agreement. Likewise, George Harrison's solo catalog, previously under similar EMI-derived management, transferred to via BMG in 2023, consolidating it with his publishing rights under family oversight. Administratively, Calderstone facilitates reissues of these Lennon and Starr recordings under the branding where applicable, preserving the historical imprint while handling global distribution through channels. Royalties from these works are distributed according to the terms of the original contracts negotiated during the Apple Records era or respective label agreements, ensuring splits among estates, collaborators, and rights holders as established in the 1970s. This focused role underscores Calderstone's niche in safeguarding a subset of post-Beatles Apple legacy without extending to the broader solo discographies of McCartney or Harrison.

Notable Projects

Remastering and Reissues

Calderstone Productions has played a central role in the remastering and reissue of the Beatles' recordings since its formation in 2012, focusing on high-fidelity audio restoration using original source materials to enhance clarity and dynamic range for modern listeners. The company's efforts emphasize collaboration with Abbey Road Studios engineers and producer Giles Martin, son of the Beatles' original producer George Martin, who has overseen many of these projects to preserve the band's artistic intent while introducing new formats like Blu-ray audio. These initiatives have resulted in critically acclaimed releases that introduce previously unavailable mixes and outtakes, drawing from multi-track tapes archived since the 1960s. The 2009 stereo remastering of the Beatles' core studio albums was conducted over four years by a dedicated team of engineers at , including Allan Rouse, Guy Massey, and Steve Rooke, under and . Working from the original analog master tapes, the team employed state-of-the-art digital technology to reduce noise, balance frequencies, and restore the albums' sonic depth without altering the original mixes, marking the first comprehensive update since 1987. The 13 albums were released in September 2009, with versions available individually and in a 16-CD titled The Beatles in Stereo; subsequent editions, including digital and vinyl reissues post-2012, credit Calderstone Productions as the rights holder following the company's formation and acquisition structure. Building on this foundation, Calderstone oversaw the 2013 release of On Air – Live at the Volume 2, a double-CD compilation of 63 tracks from the band's 1963–1964 appearances, including 37 previously unreleased performances and 23 segments of in-studio banter. Remastered from original session tapes by engineers, the set captures the raw energy of live broadcasts, with audio enhancements that highlight the group's evolving sound during their early touring years; Calderstone is listed as the licensing entity for the project. In 2015, Calderstone facilitated the expanded reissue of the 2000 compilation 1 as 1+, featuring the 27 #1 singles on CD alongside two Blu-ray discs containing restored promotional videos in up to 4K resolution and newly created stereo and 5.1 surround mixes produced by Giles Martin. Drawing from original multi-tracks, these mixes incorporate elements like isolated vocals and instrumentation to create immersive audio experiences, with some early tracks retaining their original mono format for historical accuracy; the Blu-ray format provided high-resolution lossless audio, setting a precedent for future surround-sound releases. In 2021, Calderstone released Dolby Atmos mixes for several Beatles albums, including Abbey Road, Help!, and Let It Be, engineered by and Sam Okell. These spatial audio versions, available on platforms like , utilized original multi-track tapes to create immersive 3D soundscapes, enhancing the listening experience on compatible devices. The same year saw the release of a remixed and expanded edition of Let It Be, featuring a new stereo mix by , outtakes, and Dolby Atmos audio on Blu-ray, drawing from the original session tapes to restore clarity and detail. The 2017 50th anniversary edition of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band represented a pinnacle of Calderstone's remastering work, with crafting a new stereo mix from the original four-track tapes at to emphasize the album's spatial dynamics and instrumental separation. The super deluxe box set included five CDs—one with the new stereo mix, another with the original mono mix, and three with 33 session outtakes—plus a Blu-ray disc offering the 2017 stereo mix in 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution and a 5.1 surround mix in ; this edition, copyrighted to Calderstone, revitalized the psychedelic masterpiece for contemporary playback systems. That same year, Calderstone supported the remastered reissue of the 1999 , featuring new stereo remixes of 13 Beatles songs from the film's soundtrack produced by and engineered by Peter Cobbin, sourced from multi-tracks to eliminate dated orchestral overdubs and enhance clarity in tracks like "" and "." Calderstone has also managed notable solo projects, including the 2018 release of John Lennon's Imagine: The Ultimate Collection, a multi-disc with remixed tracks, outtakes, and mixes produced by and Paul Hicks, expanding on the 1971 with over 100 tracks and a 120-page book. In 2024, the company oversaw : The Ultimate Collection, another expansive reissue of Lennon's 1973 , featuring new stereo and mixes, elemental mixes, outtakes, and a 128-page book, remixed by and Sam Okell from original tapes. More recently, in 2023, Calderstone Productions expanded the Beatles' career-spanning compilations 1962–1966 (The Red Album) and 1967–1970 (The Blue Album), adding 21 tracks across both sets for a total of 75 songs and incorporating new stereo mixes by Giles Martin for 36 selections, again utilizing original tapes to blend hits with deeper cuts like George Harrison's "Taxman" in alternate forms. Available in formats including 2-CD and 3-LP sets with Blu-ray options for select editions, these reissues underscore Calderstone's commitment to evolving the catalog through meticulous audio restoration and format innovation.

Licensing and Distribution

Calderstone Productions, operating as a of (UMG), oversees the synchronization licensing of recordings for use in films, television, and advertisements, ensuring approvals align with the protections established by . Prior to Calderstone's formation, a prominent example of the catalog's value was the 2012 licensing of "" for a May 2012 episode of the television series , with the fee reported at $250,000, highlighting the premium placed on the band's masters for high-profile visual media placements. A more recent example under Calderstone is the 2019 film Yesterday, directed by , which incorporated 17 songs including "Let It Be" and "Yesterday" itself; the production secured these rights for approximately $10 million through negotiations involving UMG and , marking one of the largest sync deals for the catalog. These sync approvals generate substantial revenue streams for Calderstone, funneled through UMG's licensing infrastructure, while maintaining veto rights from to preserve artistic integrity. In terms of distribution partnerships, Calderstone collaborates with UMG's physical divisions, including Capitol Records and Universal Music Enterprises (UMe), for tangible releases, and leverages Universal's global digital agreements for streaming and downloads. The Beatles catalog entered major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music in December 2015 under these arrangements, broadening access beyond previous iTunes exclusivity. Vinyl reissues have seen particular success since the 2012 stereo remaster box set, which reignited interest in analog formats amid a broader resurgence in physical media sales. Notable releases include the 2014 The Beatles Singles Collection 7-inch box set, comprising 23 faithfully reproduced international picture sleeves and 46 tracks on 180-gram vinyl, distributed worldwide by Apple Corps Ltd. in partnership with Capitol and UMe. International distribution variations reflect regional branding strategies, with U.S. releases often featuring labeling for historical continuity, while global editions retain the iconic imprint under Calderstone's administration. This dual approach accommodates market-specific preferences, as seen in box sets like the 2014 , which adapted artwork and packaging for territories while ensuring uniform audio quality from UMG's mastering facilities. Calderstone's centers on royalties from licensing and distribution, with shares distributed to and the estates of , , , and . For instance, "" surpassed 1 billion streams on as of May 2023, becoming the first track to achieve this milestone and underscoring the catalog's enduring digital profitability. These earnings, derived from sync fees, physical sales, and streaming payouts processed via UMG, continue to support ongoing catalog management and new projects.

References

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