Question by brooklinite 09: Is it legal to use a whistling version of a famous tune in your film?Do you still have to pay for it?
Hi,I’m an independent filmmaker with no budget in need of your insight.I want to know if It’s free to use a famous tune whistling version..like Singing in the Rain in “Clockwork Orange”.Thank you!
Best answer:
Answer by Rob
i think the rule of thumb is 3 seconds or less and you don’t have to worry abot it. that’s why local tv stations only broadcast 2 and 3 second clips of movies or shows during any of their broadcasts that include them.
if you have to go over the three second rule, i think you would be safe with only paying portional royalties as you would still be offering up your own version of it for the actual film. or the movie may be publicly owned. if a copyright hasnt been renewed for a certain period of time, it enters public domain and everyone has free access to use it however they want to. so check for songs that are free access you can use if you can’t find any other way around it.
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