Music Licenses...
 

Can anyone direct me to a site with more information as to how to go about attaining music licenses for music use in television/film festivals?

I've done some research already but I'm hoping that maybe some of you have done more exhaustive research...

Keeping my fingers crossed. Any info to get me on the right track is welcome. Thanks everyone.

-Rob

I can't direct you to a specific site but here is the process.

1. Pick the music you want.
2. Approach the publisher and/or the record company to clear the rights---often they will give you a sweet deal for festival or non-for profit use---I just got a Dire Straits song cleared for a grand total of 250 through Universal.
3. If you are going the commerical route be prepared to pay big time.

You have to contact the band's record label (not the band- they usually don't own the rights). The label has a process for purchasing the rights to a certain piece of music. This process takes some time. I believe you should allow 2-3 months...

A better idea might be to use royalty-free music. There are 2 types:
A- Buy a whole volume. This is good except that a lot of filler tracks are used.
B- Pay for each track you use. Less filler, but could be more expensive.

You could also get someone to do the music for you (i.e. music students) but that's a whole different can of worms.

see http://www.dplay.com/tutorial/muslib.html about buying royalty-free music.

Try looking through this database for the songs you want and their rights owners.

http://www.ascap.com/ace/

I had to do research for a time for a producer who was developing a soundtrack for a movie. This is a great resource and should give you the information that you're looking for. Good Luck!

Okay, I'm confused. I want to throw myself on the mercy of the music powers that be, to convince them to give me a cheap deal on the song I want to use to close out my doc (which will benefit kids with a particular disability). Do I need to track down/contact both whoever owns the rights to the original AND whoever owns the rights to the version I want? The song is "I Can See Clearly Now" and it has been performed by a zillion artists; but the version I'm interested in is the upbeat classic (at least IMO) Jimmey Cliff one.

Thanks in advance guys.

Do a search (button in the upper right corner of the page) on the Harry Fox agency and you should find your answer. It will depend on what the program is being used for. They have a simple licensing program.