Cary, NC 27513
919.889.9689
keith@johnsonvisuals.com
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With regards to works created by Johnson Visuals, all photographs and video
filmed by Johnson Visuals are protected under copyright law. If photos or video are
submitted to Johnson Visuals the owner or customer retains copyrights to all original
footage and photos but Johnson Visuals retains copyright of the final product.
Videos, photos, or other media created by Johnson Visuals are for non-commercial
use and may not be altered or reproduced without express written permission of
Johnson Visuals or its owner. All Johnson Visuals productions are protected
automatically upon creation or rendering by US Copyright Laws.
With regards to requests to use copyrighted music or footage, Johnson Visuals
handles all copyright concerns prior to creating any work. However, there are rare
instances where fees may be higher or where requests to use a specific song or
work may be denied. It is a complicated but necessary process.
Copyrighted Music
For photo montages and videos, most people want to use a CD track ripped from
an album purchased in the store. As per copyright laws, to include music as part of
a video, photo montage or film, you need the permission of both the music publisher
and the record label. A music publisher owns the song (that is the words and music)
and a record company owns the sound recording (that is, what you hear, the artist
singing, the musicians playing, the entire production). At a minimum, two rights
must be acquired:
Synchronization Right
In the case of audio/visual productions, the license of reproduction rights in a
musical composition is often referred to as a synchronization license. This refers to
the right to synchronize the composition in timed relation with visual images on the
film or tape. The song is synchronized with images on the screen, hence the name.
Synchronization rights are normally obtained from the publisher or representing
agency.
Master Use Right
Master use rights are required for previously recorded material that you do not own
or control. This license allows you to use the original recording from CD or other
media. Master Use licenses are required prior to obtaining a synchronization
license. Master use rights can only be obtained from the owner of the master
recording, usually a record company.
Fees
Both the publisher and the record label charge a per instance fee and a minimum
licensing fee for using specific songs and many of them require 30 days or more to
obtain. Johnson Visuals negotiates the above rights for you prior to
creating any purchased work. In many cases, the fees listed on this website
cover all copyright costs associated with your video. However, in some cases, the
publisher and/or record label may require a larger fee than normal or may deny the
right to allow us to use a song at all. All copyright fees will be discussed prior to
your initial deposit as to avoid any surprises in billing.
Why Are Fees and Copyright Important?
There are many reasons. We feel it is important to mention two of them.
- Just like the rest of us,the artists, publishers, and record labels deserve to be
paid for the hard work they do in creating these songs. - The artists, publishers, and record labels want to make sure that their works
are not used to advocate illegal or immoral behavior.
Performance Licensing
If you plan to have a copyrighted song performed live at your wedding or event, you
may want to research whether or not you need a performance license. Depending
on your usage, this license may or may not be necessary. If you are charging a fee
or if you plan to have your event videotaped or recorded, there is a good chance this
is required. Want to know more about performance licensing? Visit http://www.
ascap.com/licensing/licensingfaq.html.
More Information
If you want more details on copyright law we recommend that you visit the
US Copyright Office online.