Why do we ask filmmakers, even high school students, to NOT use copyrighted materials? Simply put, it’s the law:

http://www.utsystem.edu/ogc/intellectualproperty/permissn.htm
http://www.bzrights.com/101.htm
http://www.clearance.com
http://licensemusicnow.com

Does that mean you’re out of options? Of course not!

easiest

• Visit these royalty free sites (Dominic, Spotlight’s director, has used these sites for his ‘own’ movies):
  • List provided by Studentfilms.com
  • Incompetech
  • Partners In Rhyme
  • Musician Derek R. Audette

next easiest

• Record your own music or get a school or local band to record for you. Always remember to credit them completely.

next next easiest

• Visit The Creative Commons is your best bet. It’s a great place to learn about copyright law, and get access to free music and video material
• Visit The Wikimedia Commons is similar to Creative Commons. It’s an online library of free music, pictures, and video that you can edit.

costly

• Check out FL Studio, which is, according their website, is “the most complete virtual studio currently available. You will be creating wav, mp3 or midi songs or loops only minutes after launching it.” FL Studio can play any sample file (wav), generator (FL Studio soft- synth), VSTi & DXi) or midi instrument you feed it.

often costly

• Formally request permission. As a student filmmaker, publishers and composers will often work with you to allow you to use their song in your film for FREE—but require a formal release. This means you have to plan ahead if you want to use a particular song or score in your film.
  • A sample request letter to a publisher will help your efforts in securing limited usage rights for your film.
  • Also, two copies of a release agreement should accompany your letter to the publisher (both copies pre-signed by you, with a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return to you).

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