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Davro Veteran user UK 319 Posts |
Does anyone have advice about the legality of using music during a magic show? I am thinking about copyright and licencing, especially in the UK. Thanks
Best Wishes, David
<BR> <BR>Mid way this way of life we're bound upon, I woke to find myself in a dark wood, where the right road was wholly lost and gone. |
Magique Hands Loyal user Lincoln, NE. 247 Posts |
David...
I've raised this topic about a month ago, and have learned some very interesting things. If you go to http://www.ascap.com , they have pretty much all the info you will need, concerning the public performance of copyrighted music. BMI is the same thing, just a different company (or organization.) By joining ASCAP, your fees give you the legal right to use and play, any and all of the music that is licensed under the ASCAP lable. They have different payment options, based on how much money you will make from your shows. If you make as much as say, Copperfield, I'm sure your ASCAP fees will be tremendous. But, if you are 'samller-time', then your fees really won't be all that much. Hope this helped, - - Troy
"If you go around sprinkling Woofle Dust on everything... people will think 'My... What an odd character." www.magicmafia.com
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Davro Veteran user UK 319 Posts |
Thanks Troy, I,ll check it out
Best Wishes, David
<BR> <BR>Mid way this way of life we're bound upon, I woke to find myself in a dark wood, where the right road was wholly lost and gone. |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Actually, if you go to ASCAP and BMI, they will both tell you that they do not license performers. They license show producers and the venues. Unfortunately, if you perform in a public venue that is not licensed, you could still be ultimately liable.
In most circumstances, the venues already have music licenses. For example, most hotels, theatres and convention facilities have to have music licenses. The easiest way to determine if you are supposed to have the license is this: if you do not sell tickets to your performance, you do not need a license. The person who sells the tickets or produces the event is responsible. Of course, if it is not deemed a "public event", then no license is needed. (Private parties, etc.) This information has been researched through several sources, including the book "Get Your Act Together". It has been independently confirmed by an official with ASCAP. Hope this helps. Michael |
Paradox Regular user 178 Posts |
I compose and tape all my own music for my shows (I'm also a professional pianist). This avoids any copyright hassles.
I'll be happy to talk with you about writing stuff for YOUR shows, too. Failing that, there are a number of music libraries out there that you can license music from for a yearly fee. Brian Flora ujsed to have some info on this. |
Swami Bill Regular user Le Monde 135 Posts |
I have had experience with copyrighted material at the university where I work. The responses I receive for requests are wide and varied. A few writers, some quite successful, will give permission with no charge for performances that are low key. Some go through agencies that will charge a flat fee no matter what the use is and some people won't give permission to use their stuff at all. In short, it's best to use copyright free music or have a composer, like Paradox, write stuff that is exclusivly yours.
That's MISTER Swami Bill to you.
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