Discussion:
Ohio - i would like to video tape a grade school recital in which the children are performing well known songs. the principal of the school has given me permission to do with the understanding that I will take the video tape and convert it to DVD and edit it and sell copies of it only to the parents of the children in the recital. I was told that it is the school's responsibility to obtain any copyright agreements that are required for the performance - is this correct and do I need to do anything as well?
Answer:
If YOU are going to sell it, then YOU need to get permission from the copyright holders.
Answer:
Ohio - i would like to video tape a grade school recital in which the children are performing well known songs. the principal of the school has given me permission to do with the understanding that I will take the video tape and convert it to DVD and edit it and sell copies of it only to the parents of the children in the recital. I was told that it is the school's responsibility to obtain any copyright agreements that are required for the performance - is this correct and do I need to do anything as well? And even if the school did receive permission to perform the copywrited songs, that is only for public performance. NOT for recording and redistribution in a commercial enterprise.
Answer:
What would be the best way to get permission from the copyright holders of approx 20 songs? Is there an easy way to do this?
Answer:
What would be the best way to get permission from the copyright holders of approx 20 songs? Is there an easy way to do this? BMI and ASCAP...Google them.
Answer:
BMI and ASCAP...Google them. BB -- minor correction -- BMI and ASCAP sell performance licenses, not licenses to record versions of the songs themselves. Another clearinghouse, the Harry Fox Agency, sells the licenses for reproduction and distribution of musical works.
Answer:
Technically, the school itself would need to pay BMI/ASCAP to have performances of these songs. Then yes, videotaping mom would need permission from the owners of the compositions through the Harry Fox Agency.
Do people do this all the time without permission? Yes. Is it illegal to do so? Yes. Do they get caught? No. Is it worth BMI's / ASCAP's / Harry Fox's time to enforce their rights in these cases? No.