How do you get clearance for copyrighted material?

B

Boxing Fanatix

Member
Let's say I want to use a song the beatles made in my own movie. how would I be able to use their song in my short film/feature film? The film would probably be distributed through film festivals.

Thanks
 
Find the current copyright holder (most likely Apple Records) and contact them about a license. You need a Sync License and a Master License.
 
Boxing Fanatix said:
Let's say I want to use a song the beatles made in my own movie. how would I be able to use their song in my short film/feature film? The film would probably be distributed through film festivals.

Thanks
Click to expand...

For any music there are a number of 'rights' to consider. There's 'synchronization' rights to use the music as it is, in a film. You would have to find the music publisher, and inquire about licensing.

In the case of the Beatles... forgetaboutit... Unless you are independently wealthy (how about a quick $20K for my project...) you will not get a reasonable licensing schedule.

Most 'independents' get original music from unknowns, or license 'cheap' music from various online sources.

There is a 'sticky' thread in the audio section on the topic of where one can license music, and some links to 'cheap' sites.

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?271789-Legally-licensed-music-or-quot-Yes!-You-CAN-license-music-for-your-video!-quot
 
SOMETIMES you can get a cheap "festival license" that allows you to use the music for film festivals ONLY (can't sell or distribute the film any other way), but for the Beatles... forget it.
 
Sure it's impossible to get clearance for something like Beatles music- but "sound alike" is another story. I shot a promo for a group called the "WannaBeatles" who sound a lot like the originals. Obviously they have the right to record and perform the music, but are independent artists, so maybe you could use their music or similar without the major expense.

 
mainstreetprod said:
Obviously they have the right to record and perform the music, but are independent artists, so maybe you could use their music or similar without the major expense.
Click to expand...

Well, except for the whole "you still need a license because the lyrics and arrangement are copyrighted" issue too.

Pretty much what gonzo_entertainment said...just forget it.
 
the idea to get "sound alikes" is good. otherwise forget it totally especially since michael jackson ripped most of the publishing rights off mc cartney. you would have to deal with the "estate"....good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top