Music in a feature film

Belief Pictures

Belief Pictures

Active member
I have a song that I have consent from the copyright holder/artist to use in a feature film I am working on. What types of permissions do I need to secure and do I need to secure more than one type? I want to have everything in order so when distributors approach us we have our work done and ready.

Has anyone done this before?

Chris
 
As I understand it, you need two types of licenses:

First is the sync license - this is giving you the right to use the music and lyrics of a song (the composition itself). It does not however give you the right to use the specific recording of that song -- which is why you also need a "master" license.

If it were a song off a major label, or a major indie label - most likely the publisher would be responsible for the sync lisense, and then you'd need clearance from the record label for the "master" recording -- and possibly other parties depending on the music/contract. Sometimes the record label has exlusive rights to the master recording and sometimes they don't.

Just run it by the artist. Unless you're dealing with a fairly big artist here, most likely the artist will be able to grant you the sync and either their record label or them will be able to give you rights to the master recording.

As for the actual forms - I'm sure there are templates around online somewhere, just get both licenses in writing and you should be good to go. One other thing is you'll need a seperate agreement if you want to put the song in a soundtrack album as well.
 
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ChrisHurn said:
As I understand it, you need two types of licenses:

First is the sync license - this is giving you the right to use the music and lyrics of a song (the composition itself). It does not however give you the right to use the specific recording of that song -- which is why you also need a "master" license.

If it were a song off a major label, or a major indie label - most likely the publisher would be responsible for the sync lisense, and then you'd need clearance from the record label for the "master" recording -- and possibly other parties depending on the music/contract. Sometimes the record label has exlusive rights to the master recording and sometimes they don't.

Just run it by the artist. Unless you're dealing with a fairly big artist here, most likely the artist will be able to grant you the sync and either their record label or them will be able to give you rights to the master recording.

As for the actual forms - I'm sure there are templates around online somewhere, just get both licenses in writing and you should be good to go. One other thing is you'll need a seperate agreement if you want to put the song in a soundtrack album as well.
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Chris thanks for your help on that. I actually did the research and came up with the same info as you. This song is by an independent artist and his wife. No real label to speak of. It was used as part of a church CD project but he and her fully own the copyright. They should be able to sign both licenses with me.

You agree?

Chris

PS: Are you really a Music Composer?
 
In that case it's a very easy process as there are no record labels or publishers to deal with. All you need is clearance in writing. Somebody else might be able to chime in regarding the actual forms as I've never had to write any of these things up.

As for your question, I am. :)
 
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Don't forget to define how/where you will use the music.

I always slip in the terms "all media worldwide in perpetuity". The film, trailers, promos, tv commercials, web, etc. Cover all your bases... forever.
 
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