Q&A: Can I cover a song acoustically for my independent movie for free?

Question by Eugene G: Can I cover a song acoustically for my independent movie for free?
I’m making an indie movie. I wanted to cover a Beatles song, but just strum the chords by myself on a guitar for like 10-20 sec. The movie will get sent to festivals , but I’m not making any real money from it.

Do I still need to get permission for this? Or is it ok, if it’s only just a bit of the rhythm.
we wont use any vocals and just a bit of the instrumental. I herd you don’t have to pay for a quick instrumental. . .

Best answer:

Answer by byrde1994
You will need to find out who owns the copyrights to the song
(not all Beatles songs are still owned by them, Michael Jackson actually owns the rights to many of their songs)

You WILL need to pay royalties on the song,
AND get permission, which you may not get.
The words and music are covered by the copyright laws,
no matter who plays the music.

since I’ve never done it,
I can’t tell you how,

You probably need to talk to a copyright lawyer?

edit

you heard wrong
the copyright laws cover the words AND the music
even just short parts of it
a LOT of rappers have gotten into a lot of trouble over this

And telling Michael Jackson’s lawyers that “somone told me i could” won’t cut it, when they take you to court

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