Producing an Indie film

1.) There are several places available for this (Discmakers.com comes to mind quickly), but for only 100 discs, you may want to consider printing your own with something like this: http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?sku=C11CA45201

2.) Since FCP 7 was only available legally as part of the Final Cut Studio 3 package, you should have DVD Studio Pro as well since it was also part of that package.

3.) For smaller productions, most people use "buy out" music. Essentailly, you pay a one-time incensing fee and are allowed to use their music in film/video and radio productions. Some licenses will include both sync and mechanical rights, while others may require separate licensing for each. There are many production music libraries available online: http://tinyurl.com/bs3mfnz If you want to use a normal song, you must negotiate the rights with the copyright holder/administrator. It really doesn't matter if your production is not going to be 'hitting the big screen,' proper licensing is still required by law. However, that fact may influence the fee that is charged for the licensing.

-DH

This might be helpful:

http://www.themusicbridge.com/clearance-and-license/all-clear-a-music-clearance- primer/

MtD

Start with the website where you found the music. If that doesn't yield any helpful information, you may need to contact them via email. Also, a simple Google search can often turn up a lot of information. Keep in mind that one song may have several copyright owners; the writers, composer, performer, the publisher and the record label may all own a piece of the copyrights. In most cases of multiple owners, usually one is designated as the administrator - that's the person or entity that you will need to deal with.

Another alternative is to find local musicians to create the music for your production.

-DH

Get it in writing! and be sure it is an inclusive license (publisher, performers, other copyright holders.)

It is normal business practice to have a written agreement, and as Jim advised, it should show every detail of the provisions and the limitations of the rights (e.g.; duration of agreement, number of copies allowed, etc).

Great info on that link, MtD! Thanks for that. I've filed it away for future reference.

-DH

The most important thing I have learned when obtaining music clearances from non-music library sources is to have bottled oxygen and a nurse standing by when you open the estimate.

It also helps to have moved all the furniture with sharp edges to a far corner of the room.

MtD

Too true, MtD ... too true!

😉

your are going about this the wrong way, and making it complicated and expensive for yourself. The most difficult part of using music is selecting appropriate recordings. You can select and licence production music on line in a matter of a few minutes.

In Europe over 90% of TV, film and small independant video production uses what is called Production Music.

This is music specially recorded for audiovisual production.

look at the web site for MCPS, Europe's largest copyright licensing trade body - it shows the three step simple process.

If you live or work in Europe it is very important you use MCPS and of course you can use their services wherever in the world you are.

http://www.prsformusic.com/users/productionmusic/libraries/Pages/default.aspx

Go to the site. It explains exactly what you have to do in plain English.

>once you find your song you just apply for a music license and your done. right?

No, there's much more to it than applying for a license. If you're unsure about the process or your abilities in negotiation, hire an attorney that specializes in rights management.

-DH