Copyright Clearance For High School Musicals
 

I was doing research for a client today on getting permissions to use video tape shot of a musical owned by R&H Theatricals. Since this issue comes up frequently I thought it might be useful to post the following from their FAQs (http://www.rnh.com/theatricals/index.php?page=faqs):

"Q: May we videotape our production?

A: Copyright law gives the authors/copyright owners the exclusive right to control the reproduction of their work including the right to decide when or if their work is recorded in any way. Even a videotape made for classroom use, as a personal memento or as an archival school record violates these rights. However, we have great news! By special arrangement with the copyright owners, R&H Theatricals is pleased to offer archival and cast/crew video rights to many of our best selling musicals such as OKLAHOMA!, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE KING AND I and CINDERELLA. Please visit the Archival Video section of this web site for an overview of this program."

These are all musicals commonly performed by high schools. They have an online form to request a video license: http://www.rnh.com/theatricals/index...ion&type=video Among the terms of the license:

"The Archival Video License allows for creation and distribution of no more than 100 copies for the Cast and Crew. Copies may not be sold to any cast/crew member for any amount greater than the actual cost of producing each video. Members may not resell or broadcast the video in any media or format, including the internet. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of Federal Copyright."