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mollyringleAnyone with knowledge in law, music, copyright, and/or intellectual rights out there? For I have a question.
I have a new idea for a novel turning about in my head. It would center around a theatre production of a musical, though would really be about the interactions between some of the participants. I was thinking of a play by Sondheim in particular. I wouldn't make fun of the play; I like it, and would represent it in a flattering light. There would be rampant use of character names and lines and lyrics. I'd mention Sondheim by name; there would be no question that he wrote it, not me. So, do I need permission to use it, or is it decidedly "fair use" to do something like this? If I do need permission, who do I ask? Would I have to pay for it?
If I have to pay, then really, I'm just going to scrap the whole idea.
I have a new idea for a novel turning about in my head. It would center around a theatre production of a musical, though would really be about the interactions between some of the participants. I was thinking of a play by Sondheim in particular. I wouldn't make fun of the play; I like it, and would represent it in a flattering light. There would be rampant use of character names and lines and lyrics. I'd mention Sondheim by name; there would be no question that he wrote it, not me. So, do I need permission to use it, or is it decidedly "fair use" to do something like this? If I do need permission, who do I ask? Would I have to pay for it?
If I have to pay, then really, I'm just going to scrap the whole idea.
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Re: safe than sorry
Date: 2004-07-26 07:46 pm (UTC)Hell wit' dat, sez I; I made something up instead.
I would not assume that just because you ask ahead of time that they wouldn't charge you. It will just make it easier for them to track you down. Otoh, if you don't ask ahead of time, you're setting yourself up for an infringement lawsuit. And your publisher will not defend you, because when you sign your contract, you affirm that you haven't infringed anyone.
Not worth the trouble. Make something up.
Re: safe than sorry
Date: 2004-07-26 07:47 pm (UTC)Tyops R Us.
Re: safe than sorry
Date: 2004-07-28 08:24 am (UTC)