Ascap or bmi, copywriting....?

[Bjazzman]

So as we get closer to having this cd pressed, i want to know if i should get our songs published at ascap or bmi? what are the advantages/disadvantages to both?

Our group is most likely not going to get alot of radio play. We will probably get more internet play, and we're thinking of pursuing the film/tv industry as well.

Also, how do you get your songs copywrighted?

Anything else i should know legally before it gets pressed?

sorry for being vague but I don't have a big attention span to read the industry books

[ForSix]

Originally Posted by Bjazzman

sorry for being vague but I don't have a big attention span to read the industry books

Would you like us to send you a set list too?

[Bjazzman]

Originally Posted by ForSix

Would you like us to send you a set list too?

i was just curious which one would be better for film/tv composers

[GaryM]

It's "copyright", as in "the right to copy". Not "copywrite" or "copywright".

[Bjazzman]

ok, but what about my original questions?

[Febs]

Originally Posted by Bjazzman

SAlso, how do you get your songs copywrighted?

In the United States, copyright is secured automatically when an artistic work (including a musical composition) is created. A work is "created" when it is fixed in a “copy or a phonorecord for the first time.”

Registration with the Copyright Office is not necessary to secure a copyright, but it does have a number of advantages. For example, while registration is not necessary in order to secure the copyright, registration is necessary before an infringement suit may be filed in court.

You can get more information here:
http:www.uspto.gov

[busmandan]

Originally Posted by Bjazzman

So as we get closer to having this cd pressed, i want to know if i should get our songs published at ascap or bmi? what are the advantages/disadvantages to both?

Our group is most likely not going to get alot of radio play. We will probably get more internet play, and we're thinking of pursuing the film/tv industry as well.

Also, how do you get your songs copywrighted?

Anything else i should know legally before it gets pressed?

sorry for being vague but I don't have a big attention span to read the industry books

If you think your songs are going the TV/Film route, then go with BMI. They have a better payout formula for TV/Film than ASCAP.

-- Dan --

[ForSix]

Originally Posted by Bjazzman

i was just curious which one would be better for film/tv composers

Mod edit: Please be helpful, or just don't
post.

[Wicked_Bassist7]

http://www.ascap.com/about/ascapadvantage.html
and
http://www.bmi.com/benefits

[Music Attorney]

Originally Posted by Bjazzman

So as we get closer to having this cd pressed, i want to know if i should get our songs published at ascap or bmi? what are the advantages/disadvantages to both?

Our group is most likely not going to get alot of radio play. We will probably get more internet play, and we're thinking of pursuing the film/tv industry as well.

Also, how do you get your songs copywrighted?

Anything else i should know legally before it gets pressed?

sorry for being vague but I don't have a big attention span to read the industry books

1. The debate over ASCAP or BMI has raged on for years. Just Google the question asking which is better and you’ll see. Beyond the public info, there is much that also isn’t public. I have been involved with high-level discussions concerning this debate and I will tell you that I don’t think the answer is simple, I believe there are many factors that go into deciding, and that reasonable minds could differ when analyzing the question for the same writer. In addition, SESAC is also a good option for some writers.

2. Many of the issues regarding copyrighting songs have been dealt with in this forum. At a minimum, search the topic using my name in the “Search By User Name” and you should, hopefully, find some good info. After reading those posts, feel free to ask questions if you still have some.

3. As far as what else you should know “legally” before the CD is pressed, that’s a rather open ended question. However, since it appears you are in a group, you may want to take a look at post #7 at this link
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...ip#post2929683

Best,
MA

[kennydakid]

I don't want to hijack this thread but Music Attorney could you please tell me what you did to get involved in the field of Entertainment Law? I am currently a second year law student and I am interested in potentially following a career in entertainment law. If you don't mind could you please send me a message with some tips, or nuggets of advice. I tried to message you but I could not.

Hijack of thread over, thank you.

oh and by the way OP, as someone stated earlier a copyright is secured once the song is created. Registering it is not necessary, however it is a good thing to do.

[Music Attorney]

Originally Posted by kennydakid

I don't want to hijack this thread but Music Attorney could you please tell me what you did to get involved in the field of Entertainment Law? I am currently a second year law student and I am interested in potentially following a career in entertainment law. If you don't mind could you please send me a message with some tips, or nuggets of advice. I tried to message you but I could not.

Hijack of thread over, thank you.

oh and by the way OP, as someone stated earlier a copyright is secured once the song is created. Registering it is not necessary, however it is a good thing to do.

Don't have time right now to respond, but will do so when able. I will respond to this post with a link to another post in the proper forum which I assume is probably Misc.

Thanks for your patience.
MA

[kennydakid]

Thank you very much.