Movie Copyrights

[kc0jsj]

Hello,

My friend and I plan on recording a folk/rock album that follows the story line of the movie "The Princess Bride". We plan on basing each song on a different character in the movie as well as quoting a few memorable lines here and there (although the lyrics will be in our own words). We don't really plan on going too far with this project....mainly just share it with friends but I would like to get it up in the internet for people to hear/buy.

My questions: Will we get in trouble for using the themes from the movie? Is there some way to get rights to do this?

I'd like to think of the album as nothing more than a tribute to the movie....but I just want to play it safe.

Thanks!
Michael - Guitars/Programming/mixing - 270RoadTrip

...oh and I'm in Missouri if that means anything

[flyingron]

As you were told in the other forum, this is almost certainly an infringement and you could very well be sued, be kicked off whatever sites you posted it on, etc...

[LawResearcherMissy]

My questions: Will we get in trouble for using the themes from the movie? Is there some way to get rights to do this?

Yes, you very much can get yourself into all kinds of trouble if you use music that does not belong to you without the permission of the copyright holder(s). Sued into pennilessness, actually.

Much of the movie was scored by Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits). You'll want to start with him in seeking out permission - he is likely not the sole copyright holder, but it's a good place to start.

(Expect to be told No. If you're told Yes, expect exorbitant licensing fees.)

[jk]

From the description of your project, it sounds as if you would require a mechanical license. You might start here:

http://www.harryfox.com/public/Mecha...icenseslic.jsp

I do not know if this is the song you are searching for or not. It is the only one I say listed under "Mark Knopfler" and involving "The Princess Bride"

http://www.harryfox.com/songfile/pub...ldown&index=41

[flyingron]

From the description of your project, it sounds as if you would require a mechanical license. You might start here:

http://www.harryfox.com/public/Mecha...icenseslic.jsp

It would not be a mechanical license. A mechanical license covers him making records of songs previously produced in record form. That doesn't cover making derivative works of a movie.

He was already told in excruciating detail where the rights for Princess Bride are likely to reside.

[jk]

It would not be a mechanical license. A mechanical license covers him making records of songs previously produced in record form. That doesn't cover making derivative works of a movie.

He was already told in excruciating detail where the rights for Princess Bride are likely to reside.

I stand corrected.

as such, you might start here to seek the right to the music:
http://www.markknopfler.com/info/businessEn.aspx

[Mr. Knowitall]

From what I see above, he seems to be planning to write his own music using lines from the film. Sort of a simple rock opera, derivative of the script / screenplay as opposed to the score.