Question for those familiar with copyright laws

[imagineer boy]

Okay, I have a cabin at a large gated comunity out in the country side near St. Louis. Every year they have a spectacular fourth of july fireworks show shot off from the middle of one of the lakes with four launching points and ground effects, its practically Disney quality. However, one issue I've always had with it was the music, in which they use a boring compilation of John Phillip Sousa marches. And so I've taken it upon myself to create a new musical compilation for the show I'm hoping to submit and they'll consider using. It has music from Illuminations (surprised? :lol: ), Band of Brothers, Harry Potter: POA, Gladiator, POTC:AWE, and for the finale it has Golden Dreams from the American Adventure.

So I just want to know, would them playing these songs during the show violate any copyright laws? The show its self is free, and the music and its composers would be listed in the programs. But would it still be illegal? I really would like to know before I send it in. So does anyone know?

 

[WDW Vacationer]

Not familar with them but...

At a local AHL hockey game they had an imdoir pyro show. It use PotC music...the da da dadadadunah da da dadadada. The main theme in the films.

 

[unkadug]

Any public use of copyrighted musical material is supposed to be cleared through there respective licensing groups. ASCAP, BMI, SESAC

It really depends on how many people will witness the EVENT.

try this for starters:

http://www.ascap.com/licensing/licensingfaq.html

 

[imagineer boy]

Hmm... well the gated community is gated and only members of it are allowed in, therefor its not really a public display and no one pays to see the fireworks.

Very confusing. :brick:

 

[mkt]

Can it be seen by people outside of the community?

Bear in mind what I asked is not "are people from outside of the community allowed to see it?"

Reply wisely

 

[imagineer boy]

Can it be seen by people outside of the community?

Bear in mind what I asked is not "are people from outside of the community allowed to see it?"

Reply wisely

You mean people seeing it from a distance beyond the community's borders? Barely I think... I doubt they'd be able to hear the music anyways.

 

[EpcotServo]

Here's what I know about American Copyright laws:

Fans build on and create awesome things that only do well by the product and it's fans, and everyone wins! Yay!

MR.BIGPANTS comes in and says "GIMMIEALLDERMONEY!!!" and kills all fan creativity, erstwhile making fans forget about the product.

Japan sets up strict copyright laws, but not only tolerates, but welcomes Fans to use the product in creative new ways, spreading the word and because of that, more people make money, and the product lives on forever, and everybody wins. Yay!

:sohappy: :dazzle: :brick:

Oy. I wish you luck in your venture that in no way harms anybody or anything, if not helps the composers who made the music.

:lol:

 

[TinkSassy]

Technically the music needs to be licensed through ASCAP, BMI, SESAC. Stores, restaurants, etc all pay for the music played in their establishments. And in a public gathering event you'd be on the borderline of squeaking by as you are not charging admission.

In reality - how likely are you to get caught? Are you near a music community - if you are in a music industry heavy city - I'd say don't chance it. If you are far away from people who know better - weelll :zipit:

 

[unkadug]

Technically the music needs to be licensed through ASCAP, BMI, SESAC. Stores, restaurants, etc all pay for the music played in their establishments. And in a public gathering event you'd be on the borderline of squeaking by as you are not charging admission.

In reality - how likely are you to get caught? Are you near a music community - if you are in a music industry heavy city - I'd say don't chance it. If you are far away from people who know better - weelll :zipit:

Well said. Especially coming from someone living in Nashville! :wave:

 

[SirNim]

How many speakers are set up to play the music? And where are they located in relation to the lake and to the closest point where the general public could approach them?

You could still just submit the idea, and if the show developers like it they can use it and sort out any problems themselves. Don't even mention this concern to them. They should be able to get it all squared away if need be.

 

[imagineer boy]

And in a public gathering event you'd be on the borderline of squeaking by as you are not charging admission.

Yeah, I think it is technically leagal.

In reality - how likely are you to get caught? Are you near a music community - if you are in a music industry heavy city - I'd say don't chance it. If you are far away from people who know better - weelll :zipit:

St. Louis is not music industry heavy at all. :lol: So its probably not likely they would get caught even if it was illegal.

How many speakers are set up to play the music? And where are they located in relation to the lake and to the closest point where the general public could approach them?

They play from across the lake from where the fireworks are shot off. And since sound carries over water, you can hear the music surprisingly well.

You could still just submit the idea, and if the show developers like it they can use it and sort out any problems themselves. Don't even mention this concern to them. They should be able to get it all squared away if need be.

That's probably a good idea. Thanks for the advice. :wave: