Licensing Music for Film Festivals
So, you've made a film and you'd like to enter it into a film festival. Maybe you used light atmospheric background music in your arty tour de force, or maybe you used a lighthearted soundtrack for your goofy rom-com that you hope will have the audience in stitches. Either way, it’s imperative that you license your film’s background music for film festivals.
Sure, showing at a film festival is different from officially releasing your work in theaters or streaming platforms, but copyright laws still very much apply. Luckily, production music libraries can make it easy and affordable to cover your legal bases.
Film Festival Music Rights
Festivals are the best way for up-and-coming filmmakers to get their creations in front of industry eyes, so don't let a copyright issue cost you your big break. Unlike music for SXSW panels and festivals and other festival background music, your film’s score will need the same license that you’d have if you were to release it for distribution.
Your journey starts by browsing selections of tracks to find the perfect sonic fit. Once you’ve chosen the soundtrack, the next step is to secure the legal rights. Most companies will offer film festival music rights that are very affordable. They’ll allow you to screen your film during the festival, and they don’t demand the budget of a Hollywood studio.
Support Other Artists
It’s important to remember that when you pay for music rights, you’re not only ensuring that you’ll avoid copyright issues, you’re also supporting up-and-coming artists. Music licensing companies employ young, aspiring musicians, as well as veteran industry composers who have been creating soundtracks for decades. Be part of a healthy economy for creatives and get high-quality audio tracks. It’s a win-win deal.
Renew Your Contract for Release (if you're lucky!)
But what happens if your film does well and there’s interest in showing it in theaters or on streaming platforms? Let’s be honest, this is a very good problem to have. Thankfully, production music companies can upgrade your licensing agreement to a deal that makes sense for your needs. You’ll have the option of choosing from needle-drop licenses that are basically pay-per-use, and blanket licensing that covers unlimited plays for a predetermined amount of time.
Work with an Experienced Company
Because production music companies own all the rights to the titles in their catalogs, it really streamlines the process of licensing. No matter what your plans are for your film’s future, a seasoned partner like Universal Production Music will make sure you have your music rights covered without breaking the bank.