Music rights

[Topper]

First, I know this isn't really about the XL2, but I didn't know which forum to post in.

I just made my first short with the xl2, and its finished now but I want to use some music I found on a site called www.soundclick.com

The music is called Lux Aeterna. Its an alternate version of the main theme from Requiem for a Dream. There are 2 versions on there, just go to the classical section and look for it, its by someone called NDubya. I really want to use this and kind of planned the film with it in mind.

I e-mailed them asking permission to use it but got no reply. Does it matter if I use it since its just for a short film on the net?

[Danny_Boyle]

I think it will be fine as long as they don't know about it.

[J.R. Hudson]

Nice advice Danny; please dont give out advice if you have no idea; particulary "If they dont catch you!" kind of advice.

You cannot use the music without obtaining the rights first. Period. If this was something that would only be used for personal use, I dont think anyone would cry foul, but, if you plan on submitting it to a place like IFILM or TRIGGERSTREET or ATOM you must have the rights.

Check out this for other options:

http://freelibrarymusic.com/default.asp

[Topper]

Thanks for the advice.

I'll keep trying and see if I can get a response. If I do, do I also need permission from whoever wrote the music for Requiem for a Dream, (in which case I'd better just give up now) since it is a different version of that music, or will the permission of whoever did this version be ok?

[David Jimerson]

No. You need specific permission.

This question is best posted in "Business/Post Production."

But beyond members giving you resources advice (where to write for copyright holder info, etc.), any legal questions should be asked of a lawyer.

[Topper]

I've looked on the site that John Hudson recommended, but when I try to register it says:

This site is for film & media industry professionals only. Do not register if you are a consumer or trying to download music for personal use or for fun. The music here is for professional use only.

I'm not really a professional, I'm just a student who likes making films, so am I allowed to use this site?

[David Jimerson]

Well . . .

I guess not. They own the site, so they get to make the rules . . .

[Topper]

thats sucks.

I'm starting to feel like making a film is just an unending series of people kicking you in the balls for various reasons, and as soon as you've managed to get up, some guys just comes and kicks you in the balls again, for some other reason you hadn't even thought of.

I have finished the film, but all of this crap keeps preventing me from actually doing anything with it.

[Isaac_Brody]

Have you put out an ad for composers? I don't know what it's like across the pond, but here in the U.S. there are plenty of composers who are trying to build their reels. If you can't pay them anything you can work out a deal of some sort in case your film is picked up.

You might want to even try putting an ad here on DVXuser in the jobs section. Plenty of talented mofos on this board. Just some thoughts. Ready to pick up your nuts? ;)