Student (English / Español) and Adult (English / Español) Release Forms must be included with iVIE entry for each student on the production team AND adults or minors (recognizable images) appearing in your video. People filmed in public places (like a mall or a ball game), portrayed in a positive manner, do not need to sign releases. However, if you are portraying someone in a way that may be embarrassing or slanderous, you must have a release to include his or her image in your video.

Obtaining Copyright Permissions

For Music

1. Identify the song title and the performer(s) who recorded the song
2. Using that information, find the Recording Company (Label) that holds the rights to the recording
   ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?mode=search
   • BMI is an American performing rights organization that represents more than 300,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music. Click on Search to find your song, by artist or title. http://www.bmi.com/search/
   • EMG Evan M. Greenspan is company that can obtain permission for you to use music in your video (for a fee!) OR they will tell you how to do it yourself: http://www.clearance.com/get_yourself.htm
3. Send written permission via email or “snail” mail using the following format
   • Permission letter sample (Microsoft Word)
4. Submit copies of returned letter (or faxes) of permission letters. If recording company includes conditions

1. Identify the motion picture studio(s) who hold the distribution rights to the film.
   • The Internet Movie Database lists movies, production companies, distributors, and the crew. Find the movie by title, click on “Company Credits” (on left side of page), and look for the US Distributor(usually first on the list of “Distributors”) http://www.imdb.com/
2. Find the contact and address for the distribution company
   • Reel Classics they have an extensive list distribution companies who can license current and classic movie clips http://www.reelclassics.com/Buy/licensing.htm
3. Send written permission via email or “snail” mail using the following format
   • Completed permission letter sample (Microsoft Word)
4. Submit copies of returned letter (or faxes) of permission letters. If recording company includes conditions

Copyright Guidelines

Copyright Law of the United States of America - Fair Use Policy

Copyright Kids
More ideas on writing for permission

Copyright and Public Domain
A reference site to help identify public domain songs and public domain music . . . royalty free music you can use anywhere and any way you choose . . . performance, sing-along, film, video, advertising, business, or personal.

Hall Davidson's Copyright Chart