If you have a piece of choreography that is set to music that you think you may have to get the rights to, there are certain things you should keep in mind before doing it. There is nothing worse than filming beautiful choreography only to realize that the perfect music is legally or financially unobtainable. To avoid this catastrophe begin clearing music rights as soon as the seeds of your project materialize. It is better to know all of your resources from the get go.
Remember, the people you are contacting may be artists too, and may be glad that someone has taken enough interest in their music to use it in collaboration. So indulge yourself and explain your project. Though most artists are well aware of how much their song is worth, they may be sympathetic towards a small budget, independent project and charge you a smaller or non-existent fee. Do not be shy! Remember, this is business and negotiation is always an option.
Remember to keep records of everything, from e-mails to official contracts. These things can come in handy if there is ever a dispute. Phone agreements don't cut it so a simple statement with a signature will suffice. This is especially important when working with friends so keep your business and personal life separate and your friendship will remain successful.
Many record labels have forms you must fill out to obtain rights to their music. Common questions on the forms include information about the project, length of the project, what scene the music will be used for. (Licenses for music in opening and closing credits are more expensive.) There will also be technical questions like what type of license you are hoping to obtain, for example, a two year license in North America.
You must obtain two different kinds of rights from the song you want to use: Synchronization and Master Use rights. Synchronization rights are obtained from the song's publisher and Master Use rights are obtained from the record company of the song. But if you want to use a song but want to perform it yourself, you must still obtain the Synchronization rights from the publisher.
Remember, the people you are contacting may be artists too, and may be glad that someone has taken enough interest in their music to use it in collaboration. So indulge yourself and explain your project. Though most artists are well aware of how much their song is worth, they may be sympathetic towards a small budget, independent project and charge you a smaller or non-existent fee. Do not be shy! Remember, this is business and negotiation is always an option.
Remember to keep records of everything, from e-mails to official contracts. These things can come in handy if there is ever a dispute. Phone agreements don't cut it so a simple statement with a signature will suffice. This is especially important when working with friends so keep your business and personal life separate and your friendship will remain successful.
Many record labels have forms you must fill out to obtain rights to their music. Common questions on the forms include information about the project, length of the project, what scene the music will be used for. (Licenses for music in opening and closing credits are more expensive.) There will also be technical questions like what type of license you are hoping to obtain, for example, a two year license in North America.
You must obtain two different kinds of rights from the song you want to use: Synchronization and Master Use rights. Synchronization rights are obtained from the song's publisher and Master Use rights are obtained from the record company of the song. But if you want to use a song but want to perform it yourself, you must still obtain the Synchronization rights from the publisher.
About the Author:
Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin have been choreographing, educating, performing and composing fantastic choreography for over 30 years. The operate NYC's top-notch dance center. If you are want to know more history of any dances make sure you check out their website. They are now teaching dance lessons in NYC.