I know a lot of posts have been made, but I am having real trouble. I have never tried to get rights to music before. I made an Indie film with no budget, and I have a couple SoniC Youth songs in it, and some other artists. I am trying to get a hold of someone at BMI or ASCAP, but every time I call, every extension I call is an answering machine.... Is there another way to do this? This is very frustrating.

Michael Estepp

Neither BMI nor ASCAP can provide the rights. You need to contact the publisher who, most likely, owns the copyright and, if not, can put you in touch with whoever does. Take a look at the CD -- it will have the publisher's name somewhere on it.

Okay, and I can get the publishers contact info from BMI or ASCAP? If not, where from?

Did you try their website??

You can also hire someone to help. I have just started working with http://www.copycatlicensing.com. Since I am working on a Division I drum corps' video, I was referred as she also handles the rights for Drum Corps International. They need sync for their performances released on DVD as well as Master License for materials produced by other artist.