(here is hoping I don't get redirected)
I just finished my first screenplay (which I may post on here), and I have some music ideas for it. My idea is to try to get this into some festivals once I make the film. I know I will carry through with this because it's a subject that is very personal to me. Anyways, if it is just for festival use, and I'm not selling it...do I need permission for music or can I use whatever I want?
There are a few parts I'd like to put some Radiohead songs in it but I don't want to infringe on any laws, otherwise my friend said he could compose some tracks.
The general rule is that as long as credit is given and you're not profiting in any way, you should be okay. Students get a free ride. They're exempt -- again as long as no profit is involved.
I've used borrowed music. You can, I suppose. I don't really reccommend it. Try to go original if you can.
Quote from: SHAFTR(here is hoping I don't get redirected)
Sorry. It's my job. But it's to help you out rather than kill your thread:
http://xixax.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=190
don't use radiohead. it's too obvious.
Quote from: mutinycoThe general rule is that as long as credit is given and you're not profiting in any way, you should be okay. Students get a free ride. They're exempt -- again as long as no profit is involved.
I've used borrowed music. You can, I suppose. I don't really reccommend it. Try to go original if you can.
is a lisence required nonetheless? and will your application for that lisence automatically be approved if you're just using it for a film festival or is it subject to the band's approval, as I've heard some bands don't like having their music liscensed, etc...
Quoteis a lisence required nonetheless? and will your application for that lisence automatically be approved if you're just using it for a film festival or is it subject to the band's approval, as I've heard some bands don't like having their music liscensed, etc...
Lisensces aren't ever guaranteed, it will depend on usage, they want to see the script, where the music will be used, and you'll have to sign the forms saying in what situation (festival) commercial, etc you will be using it.
Check out http://www.musicforyourfilm.com/ for lots of info on the subject
Every piece of music you use in your film will have to be licensed. You will have to get in touch with the label and get their permission. They usually have no problems with it as long as you've got tons of money, but if you're just a student or submitting to festivals, then chances are you won't be using that Radiohead... go original as often as you can, and make sure you get the composer to sign a release and permission form before you use it. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Nick
Quote from: mutinycoThe general rule is that as long as credit is given and you're not profiting in any way, you should be okay. Students get a free ride. They're exempt -- again as long as no profit is involved.
I've used borrowed music. You can, I suppose. I don't really reccommend it. Try to go original if you can.
This is not correct. At least not for Canada. Even when I was in film school, if we wanted to use source music, we had to get both licensing rights and recording rights. The greedy record companies and musicians wanted fees for our student shorts. Though some indie bands of course will do it for free.
Getting music you want sucks big donkey dicks. I wanted Tusk for my short last year, but Fleetwood Mac's LA lawyer kiboshed that pretty fast. Prick.
What happens if you don't get these permissions? If you sumbit a film with non-liscenced music to a film festival, will the festival not accept it? Will the record company find out and get pissed?
Quote from: Jake_82What happens if you don't get these permissions? If you sumbit a film with non-liscenced music to a film festival, will the festival not accept it? Will the record company find out and get pissed?
The film festival will usually make you sign a form that says that you hold the copyright, or have copyright permissions for the work you're submitting. You also hold them harmless if you get sued for copyright infringement... and believe me, you WILL get sued. If you're lucky, you might get a cease and dissist letter telling you to stop using the copyrighted music, but if you're unlucky, you'll get sued outright... this will cost you court fees and lawyer's fees... you will probably get off by just agreeing to stop using the music (no damages since you didn't make a profit), but you'll definetly be paying their court fees and lawyer fees too!
The best policy is just don't do it!
Nick
could i have a band do covers of what i needed? would you need copyrights for the covers?
You will still need to obtain the liscenses, as a cover has its own special liscense, and it is admitetdly cheaper (see: I AM SAM - too expensive to use the actual Beatles versions of songs so all were done as covers)
I always use original music. Think about it this way. There a gazillion independent bands and quite a few of them are probably really good. Chances are, if you look around on mp3.com or something like that, you'll find something that would work just as well as Radiohead, if not better. You'll end up with a fresh and exciting new soundtrack, and a good band will have previously unavailable exposure, and everyone will be happy.
Is there any site that describes in detail or gives an example of how one would ask about getting lisences for using music in an independent production that will be submitted to film festivals?
I have a related question: What exactly is "scratch music" or a "temp track?" I have my own ideas, of course, but I'm not quite sure.
A temp track can be unfinished music, or it can be music that is from another source that you are using to give an idea of what type and mood you are creating.