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About song copyright in event videos
I’m trying to get started on my video business offering event videography as well as video conversions, and I would like to know what happens when for example the client would like a nice video clip of the best moments of the wedding including their favorite song, or a photo slideshow with a song of their choice, and the same thing goes for services where I would scan the client’s photos and put them in a video slideshow to a song of their or my choice. Even though it’s not broadcast, it’s a commercial service, so would I have to pay the song copyright holder for its use, and if so, how much is that normally? I’m not talking about the latest hits, but rather old songs, like 80s ballads for example.
Thanks for any replies.
Sebastian
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6 Replies
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That’s a start, but the article in that link seems more directed to musicians. I would like to know specifically how event videographers deal with this matter.
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I hate to say this, but reality is, most just ignore the law and leave themselves open to possible litigation for their actions.
Getting a license to use most any popular song from the last 30+ years is a very involved process and expensive.
Those who wish to comply with the law, typically will use nondescript music from a source such as Smart Sounds or from an artist allowing use by a Creative Commons license.
But, if you heard it on the radio, or played in a club, chances are you can’t afford the license to use it legally in your production.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings.
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[Kerry Brown] “Go to https://www.zoomlicense.com/“
It’s a start, but unfortunately their list, while gigantic, has mostly unknown performers with weird and some hilarious names.
I would like to know more about experiences from wedding videographers when they had a customer tell them they wanted a photo montage with a particular song in the background, and the videographer had to go through the process of paying for the rights. For example, what song was it, who did they contact, how long did it take to get an answer, how much did they pay, etc.
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I would guess that in 100% of wedding videos, the music is used without permission. It is only a matter of time before the music industry figures this out and stops people from getting married!
Mike Cohen
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