Taping Live Music Performances.
 

I just had a quick question regarding who is in charge or who makes the final decision on whether or not you can videotape a band. Occasionally smaller bands will ask me to do it, but when I band comes around that you want to videotape, a band that has both a record label and a seperate management company, who makes the decision? I'm guessing it would be the management company who takes care of that sort of stuff, like publicity, marketing. etc. and that sort of thing? Thanks for any replies.

hello chris,

what are you doing with the tapes?
is the band hiring you?

greetings

I would say the management. The owner of the copyright on the song, if the band is not performing original material would have an interest as well.

Hi Chris,

As a former record label employee (video dept.), and now produce and direct a lot of concert videos...

Owen is right. It will be the band's management that will handle a lot of these things. When a band is on tour however, it will be the band's tour manager that will act as management's long arm for some issues. As far as the "copyright owner" of the song is concerned, that's a whole 'nother ballgame that is more about the usage of the resulting video than about how you got there in the first place.

If you're interested in this, I would suggest contacting the band's management at least a week in advance with a clear description of what you want to do and what the usage will be. They will also be looking for evidence that you have a clear understanding of the hows and whys of the business. Don't expect to get permission if you're just planning on doing it for fun, or for your own gain that they will see no part of. If it's for a local cable show or something though, you might have a shot.

I deal with major labels and band management a lot, so feel free to ask more.