Request: NewOrder song 4 film !? — Forum Archive

1 Aug 2003, 03:17

Hello New Order community,

This is a stretch, but I have been unable to find the best way of approaching anyone (the band or reps) that can do anything about it.

I have written and directed my first film and am in the process of editing the 8 minute short for the short film festival in Australia (and international if possible). Being a hardcore New Order fan, there is one scene in it that I have used a 40 second grab from True Faith 94 song. The scene involves actors fully celebrating life while acting out a surreal drinking scene.

I have made this film for entry into film school (and have already used $700 of my own money, and cant afford to spend any more as I only work part time). I also want to show it at festivals (as none of the actors or crew were paid) and it is a ‘not profit’ venture. I have received clearance for the master and publishing rights (75%) from Warner – however Universal (Australia) who holds 25% of the rights are adament that they require $500 for me to use this snippet !!! That’s about two weeks wages for me.

Does anyone know anyone who could assist me in getting these fees waived so that I can spread the word of New Order down under and maybe elsewhere ????

Yes I can leave the song out, but I would really love to be able to have my favourite band included in my first film and promote them for free!

If you have any ideas, please email me at:

enjoyment@optusnet.com.au

Bruce,

Melbourne, Australia

1 Aug 2003, 03:37

interesting.... we kind of have the same dilemma with our Community Tribute. because we´re making a non-profit project. BUT we do have to edit it, print it, buy the cds, the paper, the boxes, etc. and we´re no samaritans. so we´ll ask for the people who wants a copy to pay for the costs. we won´t make any extra money. but THAT´s the dilemma. where´s the line between pofit and non profit?

in your case you´re making the movie without any help. and you won´t get any money if it´s not commercially released, right? BUT if you show it in festivals some people will be making money with your picture (not you, of course). because they sell tickets, because they invert in publicity, etc. so where´re you in this game? are you inside the business or are you outside it? that´s the dilemma. and if it´s not True Faith it´s another song by another artist: same problem. so my advice is: try to get in touch with the band´s management (which is not easy at all). they´ll know what to do and what to tell you.

as hooky once said: "the business side... that really fucks you up!"

1 Aug 2003, 05:11

It's kind of funny after watching 24 hpp and the bands original ideals, how much business has gotten in the way of art - i.e. multinationals who have now got the rights, to suppress art.

I guess in this case, my film "Happy Hour" is about people having lost their way to having healthy fun - like just enjoying the celebration of the music. Most of the festivals I will apply for will have entry charges for me, but are free from the public – the festivals make their money from advertisers. So there is only the possibility of exposure for me (and anyone involved with the film) - not positive cash flow.

I have hunted for a way to contact New Order or their management but this forum is as close as I have found (from over here in Australia). I can provide scripts and referees etc but at the end of the day, I am just after the approval for a pretty cool dark comedy drama about punters in contemporary Australian pubs.

So yes, my search and request still stands!

Bruce

1 Aug 2003, 09:50

Someone else had a similar question a few months back...

My thought at the time was, use a cover version (nothing fancy...just a "soundalike" version). That way, you only need to cover the cost of licensing the song from the publisher, which is relatively cheap. Because you're not using the original master recording, you can get around all the mechanical licensing and deal with the publisher/songwriter, not the record label.

...I think. I'm in no way an expert on these things.

Anyhoo, there are lots of fine folks on this forum who I'm sure would be willing to help out in whipping up a 40-second snippet if it comes to that.

1 Aug 2003, 14:38

that´s a good idea! we´re in the middle of receiving songs for the tribute right now and there´re 6 requests for True Faith. it may be a problem if you need it right now because we have still a month to go to deliver the songs. but maybe you want to listen to them and then deciding what to do.

it would be a lot cheaper and you could have True Faith on your scene....

1 Aug 2003, 15:08

[Content deleted by Floyd Anderson on 8/1/2003 3:17:26 PM EDT]

1 Aug 2003, 15:42

Bruce,

It seems to me that Universal owns the distribution right in AU and therefore wants a piece of the cake. It might have been easier for you if you lived in another country, say US or UK.

You can also try to contact the "other" webmaster at the "other" site. The one that starts with www.w and rhymes with orldinmotion.net. He has pretty good contacts with the band and the management. Chances are though that you have to send the band a copy of the film, or invite them for a few cold ones downunder.

/TLV

1 Aug 2003, 18:38

i hope the neworderonline community gets to see this film some how? :D

good luck anyway, i hope it goes down well. if it's to do with NO, i'm sure it will do, no problem. i say you should try and contact the management and try hard to get that snippet. to be honest, i don't think a cover would be the same compared to the real thing.

we all wish you good luck!