Using Copyrighted music in films.

The only answer to both questions is yes. If you use copyright music in a film you must pay royalties and get permission. There is an organisation that covers this. As a theatre person I don't off hand know who they are but I'm sure someone on this site will. Classic plays: If the playwrite died more than 75 years ago then the plays falls into what is called public domain and can be done without problem on the whole however you must check. Peter Pan is an exception to that rule and I am sure there are others. Otherwise unless the writer has specifically placed his work in public domain then someone somewhere holds the performing rights. If you have bought a copy of the script that's a good place to start. The publisher will usually know who licenses performances. If the work is manuscript and has no contact details then try to Google it. Both will cost money. Royalties. They are paid to the author for the work he or she has done. Not to pay is theft. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au