I don’t know how many people remember my thread on this song I made as a tribute to the Columbine Massacre shootings. But, I’m trying to send an e-mail to Windup Records asking for permission to distribute my song legally. I’m aware there will be royalty (sp?) fees. I’m asking here to get some input on what I should really ask. I know I got to ask them for permission, and to tell them what the song is for and like. But, outside of those, I don’t really know of anything else.
I don’t remember exactly? Could you refresh our memories? If you made your own song, why do you need to contact this Windup Records? I’m a little confused. 
I made a song using “My Immortal” by Evanescence as the base song, and used sound clips from the movie “Bowling For Columbine”, and I made a thread here asking people what they thought about it (if you want, I can try to dig it up and PM the thread to you). The reason why I’m asking though is because I didn’t make the song on my own. Like I said, I used “My Immortal” as the base of it, and just used clips from the movie “Bowling For Columbine” for the tribute part of it.
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.
I am just planning on distributing it to friends for free. I don’t want to take money from this, and I won’t. It’s like doing a fundraiser, saying that it’s for someone that has cancer and only has a few months left, so you need to pay off the rest of the bills, when all along you know the person is fine and etc…
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.
By any chance do you know of any site where I can find this (how much royalty fees are)? If not, that’s fineI had a big feeling that the price would be big, and I’m still expecting it.
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.)
I was going to contact the producer after I got the o.k. from Windup. Anyone know who (the publisher) made this film? I don’t own it, so I’m not sure.
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.
Thank you very much for your reply
Honestly, I don’t really think they’ll give me permission…maybe just because of my other source (the movie). But, yes…this will give me what I need so far atleast.
Is it a good idea to send an e-mail and a letter? I’m asking this because someone told me that I should do it this way, and I’m just wondering what everyone here thinks.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is the studio, according to amazon.com
I’d probably also talk to Sony records, too. They have released Evanesence overseas, I believe, and may have some say in the matter.
Good thing you’re not selling ^^. It’s a nice idea of yours to distribute.
I’m afraid I can’t say I do. It ultimately depends on the company and the band. Just know that it may be expensive, and the people at the company will give you the ultimate quote. Also, when they write back to you, they’ll probably include some kind of “techinical terminology” for the quote, which you can look up on google to see if someone else got the same thing and posted it online.
I think a letter is a good idea because then it’s not something that can be screwed up by the general email confusion. Maybe write an email to summarize the situation and ask for which department to send it to…they may have different areas in their studio. In fact, I’m sure they will. Also you may say “what information would you like me to give you? I’ll include everything I have, but is there anything in particular that is absolutely important?” and then maybe list your information you have right now and see if they point anything out. Ater that write a letter and send the file so they can look at it.
I wish you luck in your endeavor. If anything you can just keep it on your computer, and know you created it.
If you do send a letter, make sure to include a cover letter. (Wow, business writing section of Lit comes in handy.) The cover letter is just a short introduction, designed to pique their interests – the company likely gets tons of mail, a lot of which they don’t want to waste their time on. Explain (1) why you are writing, (2) who you are, and (3) what you want. Make sure to include contact information and to thank them for their time. I’d scan their website to see who to address it to in particular.
Thank you
I’ve scouted their site for an address, and I will start writing every company I can a letter tonight.
Brandon & breezy: Thanks for the info.