Member of the Month

X_MEMESWERVE_XX
March, 2025

Online

Welcome to the Newschoolers forums! You may read the forums as a guest, however you must be a registered member to post. Register to become a member today!

MUSIC LICENSING DILEMMA

profile picture
kalum.ko
Posts: 585 - Karma: 1,672
Hey M&A,

I'm hoping to get your opinion on a choice I gotta make tonight...

I produced two bike tourism videos for my hometown.
We were hoping to be able to get fairly cheap song rights, but the first ended up costing $500..
I'm in the midst of dealing with the second (licensing it through musicbed.com).

Here's the problem:
For the completely legit license it will be $400... I have a feeling they will not be stoked on paying that much for a one-minute bike video... I found somewhat of a "loophole", theres a $50.00 license for "Wedding & Portrait Photography & Videography". Now I know that this is not the right 'rights' to a commerical project, but I have a strong feeling we will not get contacted by the band etc for using the song. It is not being aired on TV, only getting used on the internet etc. I feel like I could say it could fall under the title "Videography", even though it is intended for weddings...
I need to provide the bill to them on a receipt, which would clearly state, "Wedding & Portrait Photography & Videography"...
The music licensing charges are not from my pockets. The only reason I am wanting to charge the lower fee is becuase I think dumping all these extra expenses onto the project would make them not as stoked to hire me in the future.

What do I do? I feel like asking what he thinks would be unprofessional; although, charging the cheaper option is unprofessional too...

Please let me know what you think!

Thanks,

Kalum


Also,
If anyone is interested in the video.
Here's a link.
Password: downhill

12 years ago
12 0
profile picture
FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
Is it a smaller band, like one from your city perhaps? If its a larger band than, Id just go for it.
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
FatWhore
Posts: 2213 - Karma: 1,098
but at the same time I feel like if you/your client did get caught, then they would probably never hire you again.
12 years ago
2 0
profile picture
cydwhit
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 43,062
I know that this might sound cliche but if it is really the kind of thing where you can get away with it ask yourself if you feel like what you are doing is wrong. That is obviously the oldest and most overused advice ever but we've all heard it before because it is usually right. Obviously the band is an artist out there to make money just like you. Could you get another song for cheaper? The video and current song work well together but I don't think the song makes the video by any means. Good luck!
12 years ago
0 0
profile picture
ToySoldier
Posts: 199 - Karma: 5,795
Tell your client that if they want that song, it will cost $400. Also tell them that you can probably find cheaper options. That way they can make the decision.
12 years ago
4 0
profile picture
1337
Posts: 31077 - Karma: 29,653
this, unless going back to reedit and use a different song is not an option
12 years ago
1 0
profile picture
kalum.ko
Posts: 585 - Karma: 1,672
Re-editing isn't a option. My computer crashed.... Thanks for the feedback though guys
12 years ago
1 0
profile picture
eheath
Posts: 61882 - Karma: 125,857
So you don't have any of the raw footage?

If you're doing paid work, you really should be backing up your stuff, I client might be slightly upset if your song costs too much but if you lose all the footage and they want you to re-edit, you can be sure they wont hire you again.
12 years ago
1 0
profile picture
kalum.ko
Posts: 585 - Karma: 1,672
All my footage is backed up. I just don't have access to a computer with Final Cut, unless I drive to another town and use my friends'. So I guess I shouldn't say it's not an option, it is just inconvient and time consuming
12 years ago
0 0
All times are Eastern (-4); Currently it's 8:49PM