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View Full Version : Using copyrighted music in "memorial videos"


vidiot1
Nov 25, 2007, 02:28 PM
As a videographer, I am sometimes asked to make memorial videos of unrelated people. I am often asked to use a special song that the deceased would have wanted added to the video,(stills put into motion ala Ken Burns effect and/or videos of the subject). Often the music is copyrighted. Most people want ALL of the song to be used. I do charge for this service. The video itself is usually shown only once in public at the reception or service and a copy with "DO NOT DUPLICATE" inscribed on the label is presented to the family. Do I need to pay royalties on this usage and if so how much and to whom? Thanks, V

ScottGem
Nov 25, 2007, 02:46 PM
This generally comes under the fair use doctrine. The key is whether you are making any money from it. If you aren't I wouldn't worry. If you are, I would try to get permission from the copyright holder.