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How difficult would it be to get a free license?

I´m talking about a license for using a music in a very low budget film. Not a very well known music. More like something from an unknown band. Sites like myspace have tons of bands who actually have pretty good musics, despite not being very well known. How difficult would it be to get a free license from a band like that? Is it possible?
 
It's very easy. garage bands are a dime a dozen, just like filmmakers. It's unfortunate, however everybody and their brother wants to be in a band and/or make movies. Saturated market = means lower prices. Myspace is great for finding bands!
 
As a music supervisor I've done it many times. Most bands will take any opportunity to get their music out to a wider audience, and there's some really great stuff out there that can enhance any specific project as long as you are willing to take the time to dig it out. I've always loved the idea of source music (bands, etc.) acting as the Greek Chorus to further the story (the lyrics as a sort of commentary).
 
How difficult would it be to get a free license from a band like that? Is it possible?

If creating a list of filmmaking obstacles to overcome, this is right at the bottom of the pile. :)

Just contact them directly, and tell them you'd be their BFF if you could use a song or two for your no-budget film.

If they say no... it's no big deal, 'cos there are thousands more out there.

If they say yes... mail them a release to sign. Include an SASE for their convenience, to mail back.

You want to make sure you get that release signed... just in case. You might be asked to demonstrate you have the rights, if your film shows at certain film fests. If you go looking for a distributor for your film, the release is one of the documents you'll be asked to provide. Or maybe your film just gets massive (or sucks bad) and the band no longer wants to be associated with it for free... you'll want that piece of paper.

Now go ask 'em! :cool:
 
The band agrees to have their song(s) included in the film on the terms set out in the release. This can range from a simple festival release form to a contract for film that is destined for distribution.

You send them the release form; they read it, sign it and mail it back to you in the SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) you include in the mailing you send to them. A minimum of two copies, one of which they retain.
 
The band agrees to have their song(s) included in the film on the terms set out in the release. This can range from a simple festival release form to a contract for film that is destined for distribution.

You send them the release form; they read it, sign it and mail it back to you in the SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) you include in the mailing you send to them. A minimum of two copies, one of which they retain.

Do i need a lawyer
 
No lawyer needed.

The key here is finding an unsigned band and ask for a full release to use their music as you see fit for the project.

If they're signed to a label, forget it and move on to the next one.

I obtained music this way for my feature film. I heard some decent demo tracks from an indie artist for a radio station I program and just asked.

Good luck
 
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But getting one is always recommended. However, there are lots of boilerplate contracts available for free or a nominal fee.

I agree, but I've a hunch he's way early in his career to fork out money for a lawyer.

Another option: have the artist create original music for you and BUY it outright for a few bucks . . . it'll belong to you, for whatever and whenever. (The artist can't use it anymore.)
 
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If you want to chase around looking for bands who wil let you use their music, you can do that. I am sure you will find someone if you try hard enough, and spend enough time looking. Or, the alternative is to use royalty free music from a website that specialises in that sort of thing. You get the license for the songs and then you use them in your film.
 
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