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What type of clearance is required for a character singing in a short film?

Louise Marie Cooke

11 years, 7 months ago - Louise Marie Cooke

Hi,

I’m looking for some help and advice on a copyright query I have.

In my short film a character hums the melody and sings a few lines from the chorus of an old Spanish song (Un Rayo de Sol), no recording of the original track is used and the duration is about 30 seconds.

I’ve tracked down that the original recording from 1978 and its owned by EMI but who should I contact to get clearance for how the song is used in my film?

Thank you in advance.

Louise

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Dan Selakovich

11 years, 7 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Yep, publishing rights is what you want. In America it's BMI or ASCAP. Here's how:

http://www.clearance.com/get_yourself.htm

Response from 11 years, 7 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW

Paddy Robinson-Griffin

11 years, 7 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

The answer in the UK is always prsformusic.com - they can negotiate on your behalf or have various licensing packages.

There are 2 sets of rights - the performance and the publishing. Your character is singing the song, so the original performance is unimportant, what matters is the publishing rights.

Response from 11 years, 7 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW

Louise Marie Cooke

11 years, 7 months ago - Louise Marie Cooke

Thank you Paddy and Dan

Your advise is much appreciated.

Best

Louise

Response from 11 years, 7 months ago - Louise Marie Cooke SHOW