How to leagely use copyrighted music in vids?

Question

I'm making series videos that With A self loathing cynical look at daily personal/world events..anyway the point is music is a huge part of interesting video so I was wondering how can I use music from artists with out getting thrown in ******* Jail or fined a ridiculous amount of monies because I just had to play MSI while talking about homophobes lol.

Answer 1

Time to put down the bong, sweetie.  You either have to pay for the music rights or steal them and run the risk.

Answer 2

jumpingrightin is exactly right.

you won't go to jail, bbut you could end up with civil cases against you.

not only that, but if your film is good, you will not be able to get distribution without serious documentation of rights to the music and everything else that needs rights in the film.

going back *after* the fact to ask for rights could be very expensive, because you will be in no negotiating position, unless you can change the music.

not only that, but if you are seeking financing of any real sort, you will not get it unless you demonstrate you will pay for the rights and minimize legal exposure to the investors.

Answer 3

You must obtain permission from the copyright holders to use their works in a film or video. What you need is called sync rights.

To find out who owns the publishing on a record you can first start looking in BMI.com or ASCAP.com to find the title of the song, and who holds the publishing. Then contact the publishers and tell them you are seeking permission to use their music and explained its use.

The other alternative is to find a local band who writes original music and who's music you think would be good for your project and ask for their permission for your use. This might be cheaper than trying to get permission from a major label.

You are asking the right question. Do NOT believe anyone who tells you to go ahead cause you won't get caught or its OK. This is not the case you must get permission if you are going to have your work shown in public and/or offered for sale.