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steveg144
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Posted: Wed Apr 25th, 2007 08:55 am |
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I'm working on a 2-act piece. I want a certain piece of music played between scenes, while the stage is black and they're switching the scenery etc. How would I write these instructions as a set of stage directions? Many thanks to all.
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carlblong
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| Joined: | Sun Feb 11th, 2007 |
| Location: | Manassas, VA, USA |
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Posted: Sun May 27th, 2007 03:46 pm |
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This can be a very touchy point. First of all, you need to get (pay for) permission from whomever owns the rights to the song, unless it's in the public domain. Even if it is, most recordings won't be. I'm not sure exactly how to approach this, but I understand that ASCAP and BMI own the rights to about 90% of recorded music. They each have a website that might be able to tell you more.
Rights for putting a song into a script are different than rights to play or sing the song during the play. Whatever group/venue produces your play will need to pay rights for the song, too.
As for how to format it into your play, write it in the stage directions as you would write any light or sound cue. If you're looking for precident, I'd suggest looking at Driving Miss Daisy ("Rudolph" comes in about halfway through). There are others, I'm sure, but none come to me now. There is usually a note about music rights on the copyright page, where applicable. Scanning those will let you know which plays to skim through.
It seems a lot of trouble to me to get the rights and everything. Unless the music really advances the play, I personally wouldn't go to the trouble. Directors and sound designers might decide to change it anyway. I have, in stage directions, suggested styles or types of music ("A boroque harpsichord piece begins as she opens the door. . . ."). It conveys what I've needed without my having to secure rights.
I hope that helps!
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Silver Scribe
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Posted: Wed May 30th, 2007 09:02 pm |
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I actually think it's a good thing to state what it is you envision for a piece. Only the director/producers need worry about making the details happen. If they're willing to stage your piece, they'll make the necessary arrangements.
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lbernes
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Posted: Sun Jul 1st, 2007 01:50 pm |
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I agree that your producer and director should have to find the rights for any music in your play. However, I was always taught (and still believe) to go for a genre or feel of music rather than a specific song. (Some songs are cheaper than others.)
This is also where a good director can exceed your expectations for a piece. S/He will find the perfect piece of music you hadn't even thought about.
But I understand that sometimes you need that one song. If it's crucial for you and crucial to move the story forwards, then do it!
Good Luck.
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Paddy
Moderator
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Posted: Sun Jul 1st, 2007 03:33 pm |
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I hope I'm not wrong here, but you don't have to pay rights for music played between scenes.
I think put in the suggestion, maybe they'll have a better idea, and use it, which would be their perogative.
Paddy
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