How do I obtain permission to use songs in an independent movie?

Question

I'm in the process of planning an independent movie, and there are some songs I'd like to use in it by a few major-label artists. Is there any way I can obtain permission to use these songs without infringing upon their copyright? If so, how would I go about getting that permission?

Answer 1

Yes, you can ask for permission from the label that publishes the music. For instance, at the site below, Atlantic has an e-mail address for licensing requests.

You DO need to request permission, even for an independent movie. Using songs in a movie is almost never fair use.

Answer 2

No, you do not need legal permission to present a film that's independant. You may only present it through school and work etc. This film you are creating cannot be produced for a profiting organization, and it must not be mass-produced or sold unless it's locally.