Does anyone know what exactly are "festival rights" for use of music in an independent film. A friend mentioned this to me, but I don't know exactly what I would be asking for when I request music for my film. As always, cheers all for the advice!
Essentially festival rights are a limited usage agreement where you can use a piece of music for non commercial project. The extent of the rights vary wildly. In general you will buy a license to use the music in your movie as long as you don't post it on the internet, show it to any paying audience (regardless if you see a profit) and limit the exhibition of your movie to established festivals.
It more complicated than that, but thats the quick answer.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
What is the long answer? Also, the record company told me I could use the song in tmy film, just send them a contract. Is there a template or existing contract for this? Thanx!!!!
Hey,
The long isn't much longer. Festival rights typically mean the right to use their music on the soundtrack at any festivals/general film screenings as long as you're not receiving an income from them (which you won't be). In return you will have to give them a thank you credit and they'll probably ask for a few hundred bucks, push them on this, we licenced something on festival rights from Warner Brothers, the price tag started at ?2000 and we got them down to ?0, just a thank you credit (getting the band's management onside can help, the band Aqualung were totally supportive so WB caved more easily)
There is no standard contract and most record companies have their own. Getting a professional one drawn up will be very expensive, Google Mark Litwak's site as he may have some advice or a template.
And next time, get your music from someone cool you meet on Myspace, trust me licencing music sucks ass, because you'll never be able to afford TV/DVD/Web rights so you're really limited with how you can promote the film.
Steve
Coffee Films
www.coffeefilms.com
www.myspace.com/coffeefilms
Steve Piper
Coffee Films
www.coffeefilms.com
www.metacafe.com/channels/coffeefilms
On how many levels do you rock!!! Yeah, going forward, myspace is my choice. The song is perfect for the song so I'm gonna check out the site you suggested. Cheers again, mate!
Read recently in a book on Terry Gilliam that they wanted to use SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL for the movie FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS and the cost was $600,000.
Not really relevant but that number stunned me and I had to bring it up. I agree with the Myspace comment. I had music hooked up before I started but but basically I've been flooded by musicians hoping to break in and willing to do the soundtrack for credit.
$600,000, damn. Even Gilliam passed on that one. They got a different Stones song instead.
RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA
RJSchwarz
