| In the connected world, where businesses pop up like | | | | pricing Drop Licenses is - the larger the audience, the |
| dandelions and anyone with a computer can upload | | | | higher the price. (Rate cards can be requested with |
| video, audio and text-based content to be shared | | | | Drop Licenses.) |
| across the web, it is of growing importance to | | | | A Blanket license is a license that affords a user either |
| understand the potential legal ramifications associated | | | | a set number of music selections or unlimited use of |
| with these technical advancements. | | | | music selections in any given production. The distinction |
| Most internet businesses make use of some sort of | | | | between a blanket and drop license is a drop is issued |
| rich media on their websites such as video or music. | | | | for one song, a blanket for many. Obtaining a blanket |
| What most don’t realize is that even the smallest | | | | license involves dozens of variables, so it usually |
| S-Corp can find itself in hot water if it doesn’t | | | | requires some negotiation. Venues such as radio |
| understand the basics. | | | | stations or night clubs will often require blanket licenses. |
| The intent of this article is to focus on the use of | | | | Is A Sync License the Same as a Performance |
| production music (music on your website) and the | | | | License (Permission from the Musician)? |
| ways you can protect your business or yourself from | | | | Unfortunately, no it isn’t. Obtaining a Sync License |
| copyright infringement. | | | | doesn’t absolve you from getting legal permission |
| What is production music? | | | | from the artist. And, seeing as musicians aren’t |
| Production music is music intended for use in | | | | known for their knowledge of the legal system, you |
| connection with films, corporate videos, Television | | | | might imagine that obtaining such a license would be |
| shows, commercials, Internet video, multimedia and any | | | | rather difficult. In actuality, the opposite is the case. |
| other form of media that requires music. | | | | The reason for the relative ease of obtaining a |
| If you’ve ever listened to an advertisement on the | | | | Performance License is most musicians are |
| radio, watched an infomercial, or heard menu music on | | | | represented by one of two agencies or |
| a video game, then you have probably heard | | | | “performance right societies” that handle the |
| production music. | | | | legal jargon. These societies manage the right of |
| Production music libraries cover a multitude of genres, | | | | performers and see to it that artists get paid when |
| providing music for most tastes at varying levels of | | | | you play their songs in a “public” venue. |
| quality. Traditionally, production music comes in shorter | | | | Performance rights societies such as ASCAP, BMI |
| lengths. These lengths are normally 30 seconds, 60 | | | | and SESAC collect monies for composers and |
| seconds and 90 seconds. | | | | publishers. These societies handle Performance |
| Production music also comes in different variations | | | | Licenses and should be consulted before you publish |
| known as full and reduced versions. Reduced versions | | | | any finalized work. |
| are identical to full versions with the exception of one | | | | Who needs a performance license? |
| or possibly two of the main instruments having been | | | | Anyone who uses copyrighted music in a public place |
| removed. | | | | including radio and television stations and/or their |
| Who uses production music? | | | | networks; all new media, like the Internet and mobile |
| Production music is most widely used by industry | | | | technologies such as ringbacks and ringtones; satellite |
| experts like; video editors, producers, music | | | | services like XM and Sirius; discos, nightclubs, bars, |
| supervisors, videographers, and creative directors. | | | | restaurants, hotels, and other venues. This includes |
| Although increasingly, it is being used by relative | | | | digital jukeboxes and live concerts. All should obtain a |
| amateurs for websites, podcasts, streaming video and | | | | performance license. |
| more. | | | | What happens if I don’t have a performance |
| How do I Get a License? | | | | license? |
| Something called a Synchronization License or Sync | | | | Production music users are in danger of copyright |
| License must be obtained for the music in question | | | | infringement without a license from a performing rights |
| before it can be utilized in any audiovisual production, | | | | organization. If you’re an individual with a small |
| such as a motion picture, television program, television | | | | audience and no real money (ie you’re not a |
| commercial, video production, or website. | | | | business), then you are at lower risk of having suit |
| Sync Licenses come in different shapes and sizes. | | | | brought against you for copyright infringement. |
| Two of the most popular are a Drop License and | | | | However, if you’re an individual with a large |
| Blanket License. They are most commonly made | | | | audience or you’re a business or organization and |
| available by production music publishers such as Slynth | | | | you fail to obtain the proper licensing, be prepared to |
| ( | | | | hire a lawyer. |
| How do I get a Sync License? | | | | The basic rule of thumb with rich media on your |
| Production music publishers will usually license music on | | | | website is this: If you’re going to use audio without |
| what is called a needle drop (a.k.a Drop License) or a | | | | a license, make sure no one sees it. This may be a |
| Blanket License. | | | | difficult rule for most webmasters to cope with, as the |
| A needle drop or Drop License is a license that | | | | purpose of internet businesses is to be seen. |
| requires payment for individual songs. The prices for | | | | Remember the best choice, if you have a large |
| each song vary depending on the type of production in | | | | enough audience, is to be safe and purchase the |
| which the song is being used. The rule of thumb when | | | | required licenses. |