How would one go about getting permission to use a song on an independent movie?

Question by Kal-el: How would one go about getting permission to use a song on an independent movie?
And is there a difference if the movie is not going to make any money but be seen by the public??

Best answer:

Answer by vivalaslauren
It kinda depends on what you mean by “seen by the public”. Like, I use commercial music in my films for school. The only people who ever see them are my teachers, classmates and my family. But if I ever wanted to put them in the festival circuit, I would have to replace it with right-free music.

The general rule is, if no one stands to make any money (and that includes non-profit donations and that sort of thing) then you are ok.

As far as getting the rights. It cost a lot of money. A lot.

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