Okay, you guys asked. But be warned:
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I DO NOT CONDONE USING COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS IN ANY WAY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNER, AND SO IT IS NOT MY FAULT IF YOU DO SO AND ARE DISQUALIFIED. I AM MERELY SHARING MY EXPERIENCES BELOW, AND MY THOUGHTS, HOWEVER THEY ARE WRONG FROM TIME TO TIME.
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So, after that wonderful disclaimer, here's my opinion - As long as you guys sign that form that says "Yes, we have permission" it now becomes YOUR responsibility. Basically, the artist or owner of the song will take it out on your team and not on Autodesk. That is the main reason for the copyright release form. Now if you take a look at maybe 20% or more of the animations, they have copyrighted music in them. Go ahead and email the teams and ask them if they had permission from the owner of the copyright.
My animation in 2000 used music from a Volkswagen commercial, and was still scored and even noted to be the most detailed robot ever seen in an animation to that year (Though I think Zenin might outdo me this year B^P). I honestly dont know if it was copyrighted by Volkswagen, but I would imagine it was. Another situation was team for 108's 97 video for Chariman's, they wanted to use the Mission Impossible theme and were denied by the company. So 108 could not use it. The winner of that year's animation? Used the Mission Impossible theme.
So am I encouraging you to use copyrighted music without permission? No. I am merely pointing out what that form is for and what has happened in the past. What you do is under the discretion of your team, and if you sign that form, as far as Autodesk is concerned, you have permission.
Then again, I could be wrong as I have yet to read the new copyright form in detail. It's 1:10 am so I'll take care of that tomorrow and respond. Oh well. There are sources for royaltee free music which can be costly, but is free to use. And I'm more than sure you have local bands you can ask to create custom music for you. The listings for royaltee free music are below.
Good luck all, and happy animating to the music!
-Robby O
FIRSTanimators Moderator
oshortwan@hotmail.com
ROYALTY(SP?, maybe ROYALTEE???) FREE MUSIC
http://www.freelibrarymusic.com/
http://www.iamusic.com/