In Regards to your letter <[log in to unmask]>:
>
A Music Clearance Service helps the producer/director be able to obtain
proper clearance of music for use in a film.  In other words, obtain
sync-rights.  The best use of a such a service is to work on your
behalf to locate who has control over the recording and see to it
that permission is taken care of properly.  They also help out in
other ways.  You can say I have X amount for total music budget of
the film and want to spend a small amount of it on getting permission
to use a couple of songs from the 1950's.  Perhaps your usage of
source music is say, a flashback to the 50's and you just want that
feel to the flashback scene.  They can suggest what you can use within
your budget.  If you want something like a popular 50's tune or any
other pop tune don't be surprised if the usage fee is in the six figure
range.  At the low end $2k-$3k for a single song is usually the bottom.
All of this depends on the usage of the song and what kind of control
you wish to have over it.  It's easier and cheaper if you are asking
for non-exclusive sync-rights.
 
As a film composer, my main concern of other music being used in the
film is so that everything flows together with the underscore.  Obtaining
sync-rights for songs is more of a legal and budget matter which the
producer/director deal with the music clearance service about.
 
One of better known clearance companies is The Clearing House Ltd.,
6605 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Floor, Hollywood,CA, 90028, (213) 469-3186.
 
David
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        David A. Roth Music                 [log in to unmask]
        Post Office Box 1082                    From CompuServ:
        Westerville, Ohio 43081-1082        send >internet:[log in to unmask]
        U.S.A.
        Telephone: (614) 890-7684 ( 24-Hour Voice/Fax )
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