ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXHow do I go about getting publisher rights to have a character sing a few lines of a song acapella in a low budget festival short?
9 years, 4 months ago - Chris Neilan
I want to make a lo/no budget self-funded festival short in a which a character sings a few lines of Train in Vain by the Clash. The character would be listening to headphones, singing along, but we'd only hear the character, so I think I only need publishers rights. I'm told publishers can be pretty helpful if it's only for a festival audience and not a money-making venture. The publisher is Nineden Ltd, a brand of Universal Polygram. Does anyone know the best way to approach them about this? Both in terms of finding the best point of contact and how to broach the subject?
Thanks
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9 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
Try calling them and asking - they may say go via PRS, they may deal direct.
Response from 9 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
9 years, 4 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Call them and say "I need publishing rights to use Train in Vain by the Clash in a film. Who do I talk to about that?" The nice lady on the other end of the phone will tell you.
Response from 9 years, 4 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
9 years, 4 months ago - Anthony Sabanskis
Is there not different laws and rights to karaoke version, which a acapella could fall under? I don't think you'd need the rights.
Response from 9 years, 4 months ago - Anthony Sabanskis SHOW
9 years, 4 months ago - Dan Selakovich
No, he needs the rights. This isn't a pub, it's a re-recording of published work. There can be a short film festival exemption, but those are becoming more rare. Best to just get permission. For a short film that will never be for sale, the publishing rights will probably be free.
Response from 9 years, 4 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW