[Eugenia Gabrielov]

I can give you some help on this I think. First of all, you need to contact the record company that does Evanescance, specifically the My Immortal single. (I don't know if they changed records between cds, a lot of singers do nowadays.) If that's Windup records, then you will need write and explain your situation: Who what where when why is usually effective. Tell them who you are, give contact information, etc of anyone involved in the song project. Send them the song file so they have an idea of what you did. Then make a document stating that parts of the song you used, where you obtained these clips, etc. Be very very specific. You want to send a report that will have NOTHING missing so that they can't hound you for it. One very important piece of information is how you intend to distribute it. You can't get a record deal until all your copyrights are straight or else you'll get sued. Are you just planning to distribute it to friends for free? Or do you plan to sell it to friends? Or do you plan to sell it on open market? Remember that whichever one you say, the fee may be changed based on it. You'll be less likely to face illegality if you don't sell the song.

Next, ask what they charge as the royalty fee for using this song. It's very possible that you won't be allowed to because the song isn't currently open market from copyright (this only occurs such and such years after the singer/composer/copyrighter dies). However, you will ideally be able to use the song with a bit of payment. It might be a good idea to do some research to figure out what other people have paid for ventures like these so you have an idea of where you are looking as a price range...this sort of thing can be very very expensive.

The next thing you need to do is contact the production company of Bowling for Columbine. This one is tricky. You know how when you watch videos there is that screen that says "not for distribution outside of home, not to be viewed unless for education purposes, etc"? Well, there is a lot more to that law then what shows up. You may have some difficulty obtaining permission from the production company to use Moore's film. However, do the same: write a letter explaining the situation, your contact info, the song, your distribution information, how you did the whole thing, what you actually used (how many seconds of footage: be sure to include this for both the song and the video...generally specific content is important when they go to listen to the song later to make sure you didn't screw the copyright deal.)

Beyond that, if they don't give you permission...you're gonna have to change the song because otherwise you will be in major legal trouble because your attempt was already declined. For example, in theatre when you do a play that you don't have the rights to use, you get fined heavily. They will literally close down the show if they find that you don't have documents. So save a copy of every letter/email you send these recording companies/video companies because you will definitly need it. I hope this helps. I may be wrong about some details, but that should get you through safely enough.