A year or so ago I wrote a script which was going to be, and still may be, filmed by and acted by school students as a project.  The whole story is played out within the school and it's grounds.  It revolves around a music track, Michael Jackson's 'Thriller', and is played in snippets at numerous times.

Anyway my question is this; can I actually use this track or does it break some copyright laws.  My instinct is that I would need permission to use it and that I think would be a nightmare.  I'm thinking of changing it to  just a generic tune but it would have impacts on the story which includes the students learning the 'Thriller' dance during the film.

Any thoughts?

Not sure. I guess it depends on if they're going to film festivals.

I think it's always best to be generic for music. Safer.

Congrats though.

Gabe

Cheers Gabe.  When I say it could be filmed, I mean it would be filmed as a school media project and be very rough and ready.  Would still be good though but it may never come to anything, which is why I'm thinking of rewriting it and posting it here.

Well you got two options I guess:

A. change it.

B. I guess put a disclaimer and post the script on here. I mean you did do a spoof short from a movie.  

I guess it depends if you want it made.  

Gabe

Usually unless you won the rights to the songs, you're creating a no-win situation for yourself and a legal hurdle for anyone interested in buying the script.

Mark

I mean "own" not won  

I did wonder how you could win the rights, Mark lol.

Isn't this the "Producers" problem?


As far as I'm concerned, you can use it, unless it goes public, in festivals and what not, then you'll need clearance. But a the script writer, this shouldn't be your concern, it's the people ACTUALLY making it into a live action short.

If this is for a non-profit school project...
AND you're only using part of the song...
I THINK there's some legal loopholes there.

An entertainment attorney would know best.

Good Luck,
E.D.