Xixax Film Forum

I feel kinda dumb asking this, but what the heck.  I know you need permission and may have to pay royalty fees for using music and the such in your film.  But what about the mere mention of a film?  If you just refer to a film, say the title, director, basic plot?  Does that require anything?  I didn't think it would, because seeing Clerks, they have a big Star Wars reference, and that was a very indie film, so I didn't think they'd have to fork out a bunch of cash for that.  But then again, what if you're bashing the movie?  Would they not let you?  If you're not bashing, isn't it just free advertising?  I have too many film references in my film to begin with, but I still wanted to keep a couple in (Do the Right Thing, A Clockwork Orange, Paulie, and maybe Dawson's Creek).  Some can be worked around, but I mean, some just seem necessary.  I dunno.

That's a touchy subject. Like you said, Clerks uses an in depth Star Wars discussion (but it's original, not quotes or specific sayings from the movies) while a movie like Blair Witch Project had to pay royalties for mentioning the cast of Gilligan's Island.

?

Guess it depends on how you say it in the movie and how much a prick the owners of the royalties are.

I was told at a local "screenwriting workshop" that you can't really copywrite titles. If this is true, then I don't see why you'd have to pay a royalty for mentioning a title. Not sure about specific names or quotes.

I wonder if you'd have to pay a royalty if you had a clip of a movie playing on a t.v. or something.