FAQ: Copyrighted audio, permission... ? « Videomaker Community Forums

notix
Member

I have always believe in doing something the right way. I get that little feeling that I did something wrong when I sell a video for money that includes copyrighted audio. But, I am sure that MANY people do this daily, and don't worry about it... unfortunately, they fail to see the consenquences that may result from doing this. First, about me:

I am 16, I film and edit weddings as a hobby... I have done aobut 20 and I know I realize I am underage...I am in my high school band and I am making a video for a fundraiser to sell at the banquet meeting. The video will cost 20 dollars, 15 dollars to the school drumline (which I am in), 4 for equipment, and 1 for the camera man/women. Last year 300 people attended this banquet meeting. I plan to raise money to buy more equipment for the drumline. My biggest thing is audio. I know what to use, but am afraid to use it because after all, I am selling a video that includes audio that is copyrighted. How do I go about getting permission to use the audio? I know someone is going to say, "contact the author" ... I have talked to my school "video advisor," the one in charge of the senior video. He said that he has sent "many letters to artists requesting to use their audio" but hasn't received one response... is there a premade contract that someone can send me that asks permission to use the audio? I also am aware of free music, but I already have a vast collection of music I like... Can someone please provide me with a way/information to help me about doing this?

Thanks in advance,
Matthew

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

I hope someone comes up with a solution for you. In over 20 years of video production I have never been sucessful in obtaining copyrighted music at no cost, and I have asked many times for non-for-profits etc. I did get Martin Sheen to donate vo talent once for a Notre Dame project but that was Notre Dame. So my advice is use the royalty free music you have and save yourself alot of problems and time. Music companies have a big business in selling their tracks for commercials, movies and highend industrials. The tracks are economically unfeasable to obtain for smaller producers. The only way to use copyrighted music is to pay for the license and I'm afraid it would be out of your budget. Hell most of them are out of my budgets.
Good Luck

Posted 8 years ago #
notix
Member

Yeah, I thought about that.... well then, can someone name some free royalty music companies and stuff? Programs to get, or companies to contact regarding free music.... thanks =)

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

Try going onto http://www.acidplanet.com all of the songs there were made with royalty-free Acid loops. It would be much easier contacting the author there and asking him if you could use the song. I can't imagine too many people that would say no.

Just type in royalty free music in google and you'll get plenty of results.

There is a lot of music people are selling on EBay for cheap but I have no idea how good it might be.

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

This is a difficult problem. I had my attorney look into it. To use copyrighted music in videos you need to have sychronization rights. These are not available through ASCAP or any similar agency. You must contact the publisher. While I have not actually tried this, the publishers are not experienced in working with amature or small-scale producers. I would bet you would find it very difficult, or at least expensive, to get sychronization rights.

Posted 8 years ago #
nobody
Member

I've got a few things to work with...

Our high school drumline plays some USC cadenences and I have an mp3 of the USC drumline playing them. I e-mailed the Band Directoring describing the situation and he gave me permission to use it.

My dad is in the band at my church and they recorded a CD a while back. This guy that recorded it has his own business, and he copyrighted it. I sent him an e-mail and he replied give me permission to use it, as long as I include the copyrights at the end.

This should be good enough between the cadences and the instrumental Church cd.

Posted 8 years ago #
krichie
Member

If you like, visit http://wss.indieopolis.net/artists/keithrichie
Sample some of my music, and if you like we can work on some very inexpensive arrangements for music if you would like.

Posted 7 years ago #
DoctorMason
Member

http://devictormason.com/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b=mus,v=display,m=1103595595

On this website is all you need to know (hopefully).

Posted 7 years ago #
kelgriffin
Member

try http://www.wavtracks.com for royalty free music - they are great quality and very reasonable prices - and free global shipping. Helped me out heaps!

Posted 4 years ago #
LDPLDP
Member

Â I bought the Digital Juice royalty free music volumes BackTraxx.Â What I liked about their collection, besides being decent music, is that their license is very broad with very few limitation.

Here is a link to their site:Â http://www.digitaljuice.com/

Here is a link to the BackTraxx collection:Â http://www.digitaljuice.com/products/product_volumes.asp?cid=1&pvid=1

Here is a link to the license:Â http://www.digitaljuice.com/products/product_docs.asp?docid=54

Item one in the license is a recent addition but basically restricts using the music as the primary purpose of the activity.

Â Royalty free music comes with a license which you need to read thoroughly because they sometimes provide some very restricted uses.

Posted 4 years ago #
Ken
Member

Â notix,

Try the Music 2 Hues website.Â They sell CDs of music for use in movies. To buy just one costs $50, but there are significant discounts for purchasing several.

http://www.music2hues.com

Ken Hull

Posted 4 years ago #
dvdrockon
Member

Here's the bootleg answer.

Don't sell anything. Give itÂ away.Â

Use whatever music you want. Show it to 300 "friends" who come to the banquet. Ask for a $20+ "donation" for your HS band or whatever. Give away your video. Remind your friends they can write it off as a tax deduction.

Posted 4 years ago #
Ryan3078
Member

^ That's just wrong, taking advantage of the situation.

Look around on Youtube and Myspace.Â There are thousands of indie bands that would die to have their work used with their name in the credits.

Posted 4 years ago #
Aspyrider
Member

Thanks in advance,
Matthew Posted 4 years ago

This thread is 4 years old? I wonder if he is still looking for music? LOL

Posted 4 years ago #
gerard
Member

You can find royalty-free music on google. I try http://wwwmusicmediatracks.com

Music is completely royalty-free. No additional fees from BMI, ASCAP, SACEM... Quality at low prices

Posted 3 years ago #
birdcat
Moderator

Boy, talk about resurrections......

But it is interesting to note how this topic is still a hot button issue over four years later...

Bruce Paul
7Squared Productions
http://www.7squared.com

Posted 3 years ago #
Don
Member

Â Is it art? Social commentary? or just plain old copyright infringement?

http://yeli.us/Flash/Fire.html

Would've been nice to see the photographers get credit....Â

Posted 3 years ago #
chrisColorado
Member

My say is Copright Infringement.

I stay away from copyrighted stuff and make my own music. I like Soundsnap.com since they have little bits that you can put together with Sony loopsÂ and Digital Juice dowmloads to make your own music. I made a good song that sounded like a car commercial and it made me think of some good narration to go with it.

I also am reediting one of my short films because I discovered that the music I used costs money which I don't have, so I'm composing my own.

Posted 3 years ago #
birdcat
Moderator

My say is Copright Infringement. I stay away from copyrighted stuff and make my own music. I like Soundsnap.com since they have little bits that you can put together with Sony loops and Digital Juice dowmloads to make your own music. I made a good song that sounded like a car commercial and it made me think of some good narration to go with it. I also am reediting one of my short films because I discovered that the music I used costs money which I don't have, so I'm composing my own.

Digital Juice has a deal on StackTraxx right now - with an additional $69 purchase, you can get five volumes (20-40 selections each in five lengths) for $79.Â Most of it is really great royalty free music and you can listen to all of it before buying on their website.

Posted 3 years ago #
LDPLDP
Member

Â I agree with birdcat.Â Digital Juice has a nice selection of music which doesn't sound like synthasized music.Â Also, their licensing agreement is not strict.Â You can use the music for just about anything except maybe major broadcast or used as a brand name jingle.

Posted 3 years ago #
birdcat
Moderator

I agree with birdcat. Digital Juice has a nice selection of music which doesn't sound like synthasized music. Also, their licensing agreement is not strict. You can use the music for just about anything except maybe major broadcast or used as a brand name jingle.

Actually, Dave Hebel (Digital Juice CEO & Primary Owner) has come out and said there are no restrictions (well, yeah there are some like no porn but they are well spelled out) and if need be you can call the company for Cue Sheet information- so broadcast and motion picture are good to go.

Posted 3 years ago #