renewed ... Request: 4 NewOrder song 4 film!?

Hello New Order fans!

I have been here before and nearly got a connection … but time is critical … so I am putting it out there again … I am looking for the best way of approaching anyone (the band or reps) that can agree to this request to use one of the bands greatest songs.

I have written and directed my first film and am in the process of editing the 10 minute short for the short film festival in Australia. 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, 0402 262 875 Melbourne, Australia

Your best bet is a very close cover version as it will cost you bugger all. I don't know if you have seen American Pie The Wedding but they use a close cover of Laid by James to avoid paying an arm and a leg. Also prominent is the 30 second snippets which I believe don't cost you anything.

I have considered covers but I wanted it to be a homage not parody. I had my second edit session last week and the film is turning out even better than I imagined. The editor says that there will be about 2-3 more sessions to go. The scene uses 8 lines of the songs (two each for each character) which turns out to be about 35 seconds. I want to do this with permission and integrity.

It’s a shame that the local publishing companies are so removed from art and seem only to be profit making corporates. If they hadn’t sewn up most of the distribution points I doubt that any artists would deal with them. If they foster either starting musicians or film makers wont this increase their future product? Isn’t this precisely the issues New Order went through in their beginning in maintaining their independence. Or was 24 Hour party people complete fiction?

24 hour party people is a factual film based on fiction. Good luck with your film though. What's it called and what is it about? And where do you hope to screen it (St Kilda short film festival, Tropfest)?

There are still about 2-3 edits to go ... so I will wait for it to be finished then enter in all that I can over the next twelve months - including St kilda! The next tropfest subject is 'Hook', and I am in pre-production of a comedy for the February festival now.

Actually I am seeking a co-producer to assist raising funds ... for equipment, and how much easier that would be if my current film had a great new order song in it, wink wink ...