Applying For Music Video Copyright


purplemonkey369

New Member
Hi, guys.

If I am planning to collaborate with a music producer to create a music video to be shown in a private event, and subsequently, screen it on television - what do I need to do?

The music producer has written and recorded a song and he plans to launch the song and feature it in an MTV, which will be broadcasted on local tv.

And he is working together with me to shoot, direct, edit and produce the MTV.

My questions are -

1) Do we need to apply for a copyright for the MTV? Who will own the copyrights? Do both of us need to be registered entities in ACRA to own the copyright?

2) Are there any technical specifications of the final video produced that I should take note of, besides converting the video to Betacam format? Will the tv station have any special requirements with regards to aspect ratio etc.? We are shooting using Canon HDSLRs.

3) Will there be any royalty system with regards to the video copyright? Like when a songwriter owns a song and registers it in Compass, he gets paid royalties everytime his song is played on radio - is the same arrangement ie. somebody gets paid everytime the video is played on television?

Sorry, I am very new in all these and would like to find out more. Would really truly appreciate if any kind bros can share their experience and words of wisdom on how to go about this.

Thanks! :)
 

From my understanding, copyright is automatically given to the creator. It's not something you need to apply.

Regarding dispute, you need to prove that you are the creator in order to sue somebody.

So I guess you just need to make sure that you credit yourselves clearly in the work.

I am not 100% sure. Would be good for you to check with lawyers or at least law students.
 

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