Most people who buy music rights opt for theatrical or full rights, which allow you to use the music in a film without restriction. Television rights allow you to use the music in a television production and can change in price according to the exact nature of the program. Video rights allow you to use the music in a video as opposed to a publicly-screened film. Rights for the Internet allow you to use the music on Web sites, software and CD-ROM. Non-theatre rights allow you to use the presentation in a non-public context, such as at a conference or a festival and are the least expensive to obtain.
The rights to re-record the music are cheaper than the rights to use the recording. However, if you want to use the music in a film, for example, and you don’t have access to a professional band and a recording studio, it may be worth it to use the original.
At the same time, decide the length of time that the music will play. For example, you may decide to use the music only once, or you may decide to use the same clip more than once.
