Licensing the Music
Licensing Production Music
Purchase (vs license) Music for $.99
When you buy the music track, it means you can personally play the song anytime on your player/media system. Just like purchasing and downloading a song from iTunes or Amazon. It is yours to play and listen to anytime you want...on any player that you desire (no streaming, no commercials). Although, it does not allow you to use the song or track in public for any other media purposes. That's where "licensing' the music comes into play.
License the Production Music
What is "production music"??
When you buy a royalty free music track, you are purchasing a license. A license gives you the right/permission to use the purchased song for a project. Projects can be "personal" use (non-profit) or "business" use (for profit), and can range from: background music for YouTube, Vimeo, television, film, radio, podcasts, gaming, apps, corporate videos/live functions/websites, commercial real estate, commercial buildings (restaurants, bars, clubs, elevators, etc)...and much more.
For example "Production Music" is music that is used in audio and audio visual productions like radio and television broadcasts, commercials and jingles. It is also used for motion picture and video scores and soundtracks, as well as corporate & training presentations. Production Music can also make its way into Web sites, computer games, software applications, other multimedia such as music behind videos on YouTube, or other popular video formats.
- All licenses are not equal. Find out what can and can’t be done with music purchased music. Learn more about licensing the music track - when you want to use the song or track for the purpose of public use/business use, or anything other than personal use.
Copyright
This gives authors or composers exclusive rights to their work. Copyright laws of the US prohibit any use of the music or composition without permission from the author or composer. Composers can register their work with the copyright office in order to claim exclusive rights to their work for a certain period. Usually, copyright lasts for 75-95 years from the time the copyright was secured. Works protected under copyright laws can not be used publicly by any other person or entity unless royalties are paid.
Production Music can be licensed as "royalty free" music or
"rights managed" music (exclusive rights granted)
Royalty Free Music
The term ‘royalty free music’ refers to music that only requires a one-time fee for its use. As its name implies, no royalties need to be paid every time the music is used. Royalty-free music addresses the need for less costly music to be used in any multimedia production. For instance, a person may purchase a single music track for personal use only ("non-business/non-profit") for $37.00, or a filmmaker purchases a certain royalty-free music track ("business use license") for $87, for example. Each now has the license to use the music track for free, as many times as they want without paying any additional fees.
Royalty Free Music is generally less expensive to work with. Smaller companies, individuals and corporations who have an eye on their budgets will usually work with Royalty Free Music. One major advantage is that when you license a piece of royalty free music, you are less restricted on its use. When you pay for a music track or CD you can use it in a production today – in a different production next week – and one three years from now without paying any additional license fee. You could broadcast the production on TV or the Internet or make copies of a DVD for sale without paying any additional licensing fee. Essentially, you don’t have to pre-plan how the music is going to be used.
Production Music is generally placed in the background, behind the dialog or voice-over - it can set the mood, provide a suitable backdrop for a message, promote the product, activity or event being featured, identify the location of the scene or highlight the plot’s action.
Rights Managed Music
Rights Managed Music is generally more expensive to work with. Major motion picture companies, TV production companies and other large users of great quality music would usually work with Rights Managed Music companies and composers. Generally speaking, each piece of music is licensed for a particular project that will be distributed in a particular way. For instance a piece of music could be licensed for use in a Movie that is going to be shown in theaters around the world. If the Movie was going to be shown on the Internet and there were going to be DVDs manufactured and sold as well, that would have to be written into the license agreement. That one piece of music could not be used in any other Movie – it has only been licensed for that specific Movie.
- Exclusive Vs Non-exclusive Music - In an exclusive licence, the parties agree that no other person/legal entity can exploit the relevant IPRs, except the licensee (in other words, that music track is licensed for that one party to use exclusively. No one else can use that song). On the other hand, a Non-Exclusive Licence grants to the licensee the right to use the IPRs, but on a non-exclusive basis (so, another party can use or license the same song, as many parties that want to all at the same time). Hence, the difference in price - higher $$ for exclusive, vs lower $$ for non-exclusive song tracks. Exclusivity takes the composers song off the market for use by any other party.
Royalty Free And Copyright Free Music Aren't Actually Free
While "free" might be in their names, royalty free and copyright free music isn't actually free. And here's why these terms can be misleading, especially to new creators not yet versed in the legalities of using this kind of music for their videos.
Royalty free music definition simply means, that no one owns the copyright to said music and no royalties must be paid.
When you work with a royalty free music site, you're essentially purchasing the license to whatever track it is you want to use.
This makes you (the licensee) "free" to use the music in your videos, but the company you purchased the license from is actually being paid and paying the royalties to the composers.
Basically, the company you purchase your tracks from will be paying royalties on those same tracks to the music producer or songwriter.
Additionally, if the video is shown on a broadcast network the network will pay Performance Rights Organizations (PROs such as BMI, ASCAP, SESAC) royalties which will then be distributed out to music rights holders (songwriters, composers, publishers of the music).
This essentially means that nothing is actually royalty free, at least not in the grand scheme of things. It simply means "you personally" won't have to pay royalties, because the company you use does.
What Royalty Free And Copyright Free Music Is (And Isn't)
Wondering if there are any other assumptions you've made that might be wrong? Here's a quick rundown of some other common misconceptions about royalty free and copyright free music:
- Royalty Free Music Isn't Free To Use: A common mistake is thinking that if a track is labeled royalty free, that means it's free to use. Not true! The music must be paid for in order to own the license to use it.
- Copyright Free and Royalty Free Music Aren't the Same Thing: Although we threw both terms together, we do want to make a clear distinction that copyright free has no copyright and royalty free means the music has copyright.
- Completely Copyright Free Music Is Rare: Copyright free music is basically a unicorn, meaning it's extremely hard to find truly copyright free tracks. Almost every track out there has some sort of copyright, even music with a Creative Commons license.
- Royalty Free Music Isn't Stock Music: Stock music is another term that is often used to refer to royalty free music. This isn't correct. It can include stock music, but stock music isn't always royalty free.
- Royalty Free Music Includes All Different Types And Genres: It isn't just limited to instrumentals or background tunes. You can basically find every type of music as royalty free.
- Not All Licenses For Royalty Free Music Are The Same: Each royalty free music company works differently so it's important to be aware of terms and conditions of each company.
Big Coffee Music 'Production Music' / Standard Licensing Examples
Here are some standard examples, although each situation may be a little different - so we'll discuss the price based on your needs at time of payment process. Please contact us at info@bigcoffeegroup.com to discuss the exact license and the price for the music you choose.
Standard License Coverage and Definition examples
Independent Film License
A license for the lone-wolf, creating a film of any length outside the studio system.
Permitted Content: You are an individual wishing to "exclusively" license one song recording/ composition embodied thereon for the creation of an independent film, outside of a formal film studio system, either short or feature length.
Non-Permitted Content: The creation of any film being funded and/or released by a formal film studio, or any commercial use relating to a business, non-profit, product or service.
Single (1) use
Lifespan: 3-5 years
*Cue Sheet Needed
- Notes: If your film should be picked up for distribution, or shown outside of the confines of a film festival, please contact us.
Cost: starting at $247.00
Personal "Non-Profit" License
Music to help you share your mission.
Permitted Content: You are an individual wishing to license one master recording and composition embodied thereon for the creation of a film or slideshow that highlights a registered non-profit organization as a whole. Content may include company highlights, event coverage, culture highlights, and employee insights - films that give an overall sense of the spirit of the organization. A company is considered a Non-Profit only if it is registered with the government as an eligible and official Non-Profit Organization. In the U.S.A., for example, a Non-Profit is designated by the IRS as a 501(c).
Non-Permitted Content: Fundraising campaign or call to action, or any film that highlights a specific product or service of the organization.
Single (1) use
Lifespan: Perpetual
Cost: starting at $37.00
"Personal use" Wedding and Portrait License
Celebrate milestones with the perfect marriage of sound and picture.
Permitted Content: You are an individual wishing to license one master recording and composition embodied thereon for the creation of a film or slideshow that covers the wedding day or similar event of a couple, for that couple. Despite its name, the wedding license can also apply to other events for your clients such as birth stories, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.
Non-Permitted Content: This is not the right license for you if you are creating a film or slideshow to promote a business related to the event.
- A "business license" would be needed for a promotional film for a photographer, event designer, a venue, the florist, or yourself.
Single (1) use
Lifespan: Perpetual
Cost: starting at $37.00
Home Video License
Tracks for reminiscing with family and friends.
Permitted Content: You are an individual wishing to license one master recording and composition embodied thereon for the creation of a film (personal YouTube, Vimeo site) intended for individual, "personal use only" of content highlighting the life and experiences of the individual.
Non-Permitted Content: Content cannot be tied to any business whatsoever, including company or product highlights, by being posted on business websites, Vimeo or YouTube accounts, or if you are being paid, making money, or anticipating growing any business from the film.
Single (1) use
Lifespan: Perpetual
Cost: $37.00
Podcast License
Songs for sharing your story.
"Personal Use"
Permitted Content: You are an individual creating a podcast and wish to license one master recording and composition embodied thereon solely for use as a “bumpers,” “underscore,” “intros,” “outros,” “transitions” or “beds” within a single audio podcast episode.
Non-Permitted Content: This is strictly limited to a podcast of a personal nature, unrelated to any business purpose whatsoever, whether organized or unincorporated and either “for profit” or “not for profit.” The podcast will not be directly or indirectly associated with a commercial or promotional endeavor of any nature whatsoever, including without limitation, any service or product, nor will the podcast be posted on business websites, Vimeo or YouTube. You may not derive revenue or anticipate growing any business from the podcast. You are prohibited from using the Musical Work as the subject or focus of the podcast. You are prohibited from using the Musical Work in connection with visual works of any nature whatsoever.
Single (1) use
Usage: Podcast
Lifespan: Perpetual
Cost: $37.00
Personal - Series Use
Permitted Content: You are an individual creating a podcast and wish to license one Musical Work solely for use as a “bumpers,” “underscore,” “intros,” “outros,” “transitions” or “beds” in any number of episodes pertaining to one identifiable audio podcast series in a 12-month period.
Non-Permitted Content: This is strictly limited to a podcast of a personal nature, unrelated to any business purpose whatsoever, whether organized or unincorporated and either “for profit” or “not for profit.” The podcast will not be directly or indirectly associated with a commercial or promotional endeavor of any nature whatsoever including without limitation, any service or product, nor will the podcast be posted on business websites, Vimeo or YouTube.
- A "business license" ($87.00) would be needed if you plan on deriving revenue or anticipate growing any business from the podcast. You are prohibited from using the Musical Work as the subject or focus of the podcast.
Usage: Podcast
Lifespan: Perpetual
Cost: $37.00
Business - Single Use
Permitted Content: You are an individual, partnership, corporation or other entity engaged in a “for profit” or “not for profit” business enterprise consisting of up to 100 employees creating a podcast and wish to license one Musical Work solely for use as a “bumpers,” “underscore,” “intros,” “outros,” “transitions” or “beds” within a single audio podcast episode. Your podcast incorporating the Musical Work is related to your business.
Non-Permitted Content: You are prohibited from using the Musical Work as the subject or focus of the podcast. You are prohibited from using the Musical Work in connection with visual works of any nature whatsoever.
Single (1) use
Usage: Podcast
Lifespan: Perpetual
Cost: $87.00
Business - Series Use
Permitted Content: You are an individual, partnership, corporation or other entity engaged in a “for profit” or “not for profit” business enterprise consisting of up to 100 employees creating a podcast and wish to license one Musical Work solely for use as a “bumpers,” “underscore,” “intros,” “outros,” “transitions” or “beds” in any number of episodes pertaining to one identifiable audio podcast series in a 12-month period. Your podcast incorporating the Musical Work is related to your business.
Non-Permitted Content: You are prohibited from using the Musical Work as the subject or focus of the podcast. You are prohibited from using the Musical Work in connection with visual works of any nature whatsoever.
Series use (any number of episodes pertaining to one particular, identifiable podcast in a twelve month period)
Usage: Podcast
Lifespan: Perpetual
Cost: $197.00