Some more thoughts on music

When it comes to music for a production, I used to use commercial CDs and then clear the rights with the Performing Rights Society (the organisation that makes sure that composers get paid!). As a performer, I have great sympathy with the artists...but it can be both complicated and expensive. In some cases where the video is either to be used online on a company's intranet or for training in seminars, the PRS wanted to know how many people would view the feature and how long it would be used for – and set the rates accordingly. The trouble is, you can't always estimate either very accurately and that could potentially land you with problems. However, a growing number of online organisations are offering “copyright free” and “royalty free” tracks from as little as £10. You buy the track and use it in your video as often as you want, with the production viewed by as many people as you like without any further paperwork needed. A good example in the UK is AKM music (http://www.akmmusic.co.uk/) whose tracks have a quality feel to them.