Music Copyright (copywrong!) law. A question

MucMara

Hello there,
I have a copyright law question. If an amateur filmmaker submits a short film to a film festival but doesn't use an original score, are the organisers of the festival in breach of copyright law if they charge entry into the festival.

Thanks in advance.

CJKeane

Both the filmmaker and the organizers will be in breach if the score is played without permission period. It doesn't matter if it's a free or paid festival, the owner of the copyright has the right to compensation and the right to give permission for their work to be played.

The only case where this won't matter is when the piece has a creative commons license or where it is in the public domain.

To the best of my knowledge...

MucMara

Thanks for your answer. Does that mean that all those home videos up on youtibe with popular soundtracks are in breach of copyright law??

Nody

MucMara wrote: »

Thanks for your answer. Does that mean that all those home videos up on youtibe with popular soundtracks are in breach of copyright law??

Yes and Youtube will remove the video if they get complaints about it (but will not proactively review every submitted video which is what the RIAA wants basically); Youtube even has a link about it at the bottom if you look at the page.