Performer License Ag needed for use of video of music performance or...?

[Elmer_Lang]

Hi
I want to use a video clip of friends preforming song in club. I just need the guitarist to sign something. Is a simple actor/appearance license sufficient or do I need something specific, as a 'musical performer's' license?
elmer

 

[paulears]

If they give permission and it's their material, you don't even need anything paperwork wise - I assume verbal contracts are ok in the US? If their performance includes the copyright material of somebody else, that's when it starts to get complicated. If the band are signed to a record company, then again, the record company may object.

 

[Elmer_Lang]

Thanks for the reply. It's an old clip. The singer/songwriter is no longer alive, certainly was never signed, I have permission to use the music, tho hmm I may need additional permission from his daughter for his appearance. But I'm thinking of the guitarist.

 

[paulears]

You've sorted 75% I guess. The guitarist still has rights to the use of his performance. The usual practice, is to try to find him, and if that fails, then you could put a small note with the product that you tried to clear it but failed. In the UK that's not really legally sound, but shows you did try!