Music Publishers and Educational Permission Question

[stacey717]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 4:36pm

I am a high school student in a filmmaking class and have written a musical short film that entails the use of preexisting songs and slightly rearraged lyrics ( almost, for example sake, like Forbidden Broadway, minus as much change in some cases, as well as the satirical tone).

I wanted to know if there was any special permission I would need ot use this music in my film, mostly should I ever submit it somewhere, as if in a portfolio for college or a contest (always non-monetary in gain), especially since this is strictly for educational purposes (and usually there are special cirsumstances for education, too, but I know those who create Forbidden Broadway have been doing this to the extreme for years, and for profit, too, which I do not want and will not get.)

Anyway, I emailed ASCAP and searched around BMI about this and they said rights requests depended upon the music publishers ("who own the songs" as in sheet music and lyrics) and record labels ("who own the recordings"). That is, I have to contact them to ask about usage in any situation (ASCAP in the email could only tell me that they aren't responsible for use, only public performances, and couldn't help in that aspect, but push me in the right direction).

For each of the songs I am using I was able to find the record label, so I will try to figure a way to contact each company, but I am finding it difficult to figure out the music publishers, information that seems not anywhere on or in the cd cases. The music that is to be used is from The Producers, Little Shop of Horrors (NBC), Rent, Les Miserables (OBC), Triumph of Love, Urinetown and Anthony Rapp's album Look Around.

I am pretty sure that the publisher of the Rent music is called EMI Music Publishing --it says such on the cover of the vocal/piano selections book from Hal Leonard-- , but The Producers' vocal/piano book from the same company (Hal Leonard) says nothing of its presumable original publisher.

Does anyone know the music publishers of the other music? (and confirm the publisher of Rent that I think I have named?)

Or, does anyone know if there are special regulations for educational purposes in using the music, etc?

Thanks so much, any information would be greatly appreciated:)
~Stacey

[Katakana]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 5:54pm

From what I can tell by searching library catalogs and Amazon, Hal Leonard Corp. has published the musical scores to The Producers, Rent, Urinetown, and Les Miserables. Hal Leonard has a website, which includes a copyright section that may answer some of your questions:

www.halleonard.com

The only musical score I could find for Little Shop of Horrors was from the motion picture; that score was published by Warner Brothers Publications, which also has a website containing contact information:

www.warnerbrotherspublications.com

I couldn't find the other musical scores you need. Perhaps one of the publishers above can help you.

You might check your local library for books that explain copyrights. The topic is complex, and I can understand your confusion about how to proceed.

Good luck!

Updated On: 12/7/04 at 05:54 PM

[stacey717]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 10:14pm

Thanks for the luck--

I know Hal Leonard has published the music for many songs and musicals, etc, but I'm not sure their printings cover songs that are not printed by them.

My example is the song We're Okay from Rent, which I have a version of in my script--but Hal Leonard did not publish in their own.

Though, you reply does make me think I should ask them and WB music about permission to see what they say-- maybe they could help!

I am a bit wary of contacting Hal Leonard though, I once asked them a few questions on some music that was never returned. Oh well, I really should ask them at least about those songs in their books that I will be using-- Thanks for making me see:)

THANKS!!!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 10:20pm

i have a question too... it relates to getting rights, so i didn't want to make another thread...
anyways, to my point...

if i plan to do a concert version of EVITA do i need to get the rights?... i have this whole thing planned out for my senior service project and all profits will go to a charity in my area (that i've yet to choose- so if anyone has any ideas let me know).

thanks.

[stacey717]

Posted: 12/7/04 at 11:39pm

I would say, yes, you need the rights--and thanks to my asking ASCAP about something else, they told me they are the ones who are responsible only for stuff concerning public performance rights (and thus not what I was looking for)...

I think you should contact them :)

ascap.com