Poster usage in film, tv, etc

[Michael Apparatus]

I apologize if this has been discussed before...

We've been approached more and more often to have our posters used as set dressing in various films and tv shows. So, my question is do we need to get direct permission from the bands that appear on the posters to allow the print to be used?

Any thoughts on this would be fantastic.

Thanks!

[scrojo]

my understanding is yes.

[el Jefe]

I would say yes. Though I can not remember the particulars - there was an author who sued and WON against a film that used her book in the background where you could read her name. Better safe than sorry.

[Pfahlert Creative Labs]

i've only been asked from the band's management, not directly from producers of films, etc.

better safe than sorry fo sho.

[scrojo]

i know it's been done without band permission but....... the last time i was approached they were specific that it was my responcibility to get band permission. i offered to just switch out band names for fictional acts. they agreed and............ never used my stuff.

[John A]

as i understand it only if the band's logo is used does the band need to give permission.

[vastagh]

good question. most recently when I was approached to send stuff for 500 Days of Summer it was thru the label whom i had done a few different posters for different bands on their imprint. otherwise it has been not cleared nor have i seen any repercussions for....

[kolfacekilla]

i would guess (and its just a guess) that its up to the movie / tv peoples to get permission from the band. if they're asking you for permission to use a poster you made, you can give them permission to use that poster. but then its up to them to contact the band. if the band sees their name in a film and goes after someone, it'll be the film, not you guys.

in my view, its like people asking to include your posters in a book. theoretically, something is being sold the includes a bands name, theoretically without their permission.

the safe bet would be for everyone to sign in blood 'i give my permission'. but again, hopefully the producers etc know that you can't give permission other than for the artwork. the rest is up to them to deal with.

but i am not a lawyer, nor do a play one on tv.

[thirteen]

i would guess (and its just a guess) that its up to the movie / tv peoples to get permission from the band. if they're asking you for permission to use a poster you made, you can give them permission to use that poster. but then its up to them to contact the band. if the band sees their name in a film and goes after someone, it'll be the film, not you guys.

in my view, its like people asking to include your posters in a book. theoretically, something is being sold the includes a bands name, theoretically without their permission.

the safe bet would be for everyone to sign in blood 'i give my permission'. but again, hopefully the producers etc know that you can't give permission other than for the artwork. the rest is up to them to deal with.

but i am not a lawyer, nor do a play one on tv.

Good points.

[printmafia-connie]

We have been in a few things and in some cases the film company uses a clearance house to get the OK. For TV I don't think that is the practice. We have never cleared it ourselves and like Andy said we have had no problems.