Thread: DVD Question

At the end of the month one of my friends is hosting Wintersun Carnivale, which is sort of turned into a South Florida tour of workshops and performances. We have hired in a videographer to film the gala show. The DVD is then going to be for sale. Now, it's not going to be marketed or sold on eBay or amazon or what have you. Basically, pretty much the dancers who are dancing in the show are purchasing copies for themselves and then to cover the videographer's fees.

So, I'm concerned about the music that people are dancing to. Do we have to pay music artists for using music. For instance, I'm dancing to Djinn..do I have to cut Carmine a check? Is there like some huge legal thing I'm missing?

Technically, if the dvd is for sale you are required to purchase the music rights for dvd for each song being used. Many event sponsors don't, but legally you are supposed to pay for that use.

Originally Posted by mahsati

Technically, if the dvd is for sale you are required to purchase the music rights for dvd for each song being used. Many event sponsors don't, but legally you are supposed to pay for that use.

Yes, and you need to get every performer's signature on a waiver giving you permission to film them and sell or even give away the footage of their performances. Some performers do not want DVDs of their performances to be sold or given to anyone other than themselves. Whether or not you get the music rights, you would be wise to get permission from all the performers to avoid future complaints or even law suits.

Originally Posted by leylalanty

Yes, and you need to get every performer's signature on a waiver giving you permission to film them and sell or even give away the footage of their performances. Some performers do not want DVDs of their performances to be sold or given to anyone other than themselves. Whether or not you get the music rights, you would be wise to get permission from all the performers to avoid future complaints or even law suits.

Very good point. I let dancers know the above, but have been thinking of getting more concrete in this litiginous age.