NAICS 3 Digit Subsector Code 512

Subsector 512

/in /by

NAICS Subsector Code 512 – Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries

Definition of NAICS 3 Digit Subsector Code 512: 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 (except Internet) 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.

Three Digit Subsector Breakdown for the North American Industry Classification System

NAICS codes are broken down by digit. The broadest description starts with the 2 digit sector codes. The 3 digit subsector codes are more specific, then the 4 digit industry group, 5 digit industry, and the most specific is the 6 digit NAICS code. If NAICS Subsector 512 does not describe the industry of the business in question, then select the largest applicable code below. From there, follow the progression of smaller digits to the larger digits in order to obtain the most specific 6 digit classification.

  • Sector 51: Information
    • Subsector 512: Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries
      • Industry Group 5121: Motion Picture and Video Industries
        • Industry 51211: Motion Picture and Video Production
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512110: Motion Picture and Video Production
        • Industry 51212: Motion Picture and Video Distribution
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512120: Motion Picture and Video Distribution
        • Industry 51213: Motion Picture and Video Exhibition
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512131: Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive-Ins)
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512132: Drive-In Motion Picture Theaters
        • Industry 51219: Postproduction Services and Other Motion Picture and Video Industries
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512191: Teleproduction and Other Postproduction Services
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512199: Other Motion Picture and Video Industries
      • Industry Group 5122: Sound Recording Industries
        • Industry 51221: Record Production
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512210: Record Production
        • Industry 51222: Integrated Record Production/Distribution
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512220: Integrated Record Production/Distribution
        • Industry 51223: Music Publishers
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512230: Music Publishers
        • Industry 51224: Sound Recording Studios
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512240: Sound Recording Studios
        • Industry 51229: Other Sound Recording Industries
          • 6 Digit Code(s) NAICS 512290: Other Sound Recording Industries

Other helpful NAICS Downloads

View the download page for the material below.

NAICS 3 Digit Subsector Code 512