How to ask for permission to use copyrighted stuff?

(Shaderman) #1

Hi.

I’d like to ask a company (Universal Studios) for permission to use some elements of a film for a map project before I start working on it. My idea is to rebuild some objects, use short audio parts and maybe use some pictures taken from the film.

Because Universal Studios isn’t a one man company, it should be hard to reach a responsible person via email and maybe even harder to explain what I want to do (using their material in a map).

I guess some of you have experiences with this and may give some hints how to (sucessfully) accomplish this.

Thanks,

Shaderman

(S14Y3R) #2

just make sure everything you use is under 4 seconds, so you don’t have to pay for it…lol

(Shaderman) #3

Is there something like a “free sample time” for sounds/music in the US? Of course it would be the easiest way but what about the replication of objects and pictures?

(P4nth3r) #4

Can’t you find an e-mail adres on their website somewhere?
I did the same thing with Team17, just mail them and hope the mail comes at the right place.
I only had to give them all the credits for the stuf I used.

Greetz Panther aka Way2Evil

(Shaderman) #5

There’s a special licensing site for commercial purpose with a contact person (including Email). My first step will be to ask this person who’s responsible for non commercial use of their material or can help me with my concern.

I think I’d write that a) my work won’t be commercial and b) they will be given credits, but the hard part (which is necessary IMO) is to explain what I’d like to use their material for. Not everyone may have an imagination of a computer game like ET and which role the material I’m asking for will play in this game. Any suggestions how to describe this?

Shaderman

(Massive) #6

Shaderman

From my experience of big companies, initially I would just keep the explanation very simple & leave an opening for them to ask questions. And by simple I mean 1 sentence e.g. part of the scene setting and sound for a non comercial game.

Cheers

Massive

(=PoW= PHI) #7

For all you know they do not own the rights for what you want to use…if it is music, I think you will have trouble. Movies and clips are another thing as are pictures.

But you would think they have a bit of a clue to how big on line gaming is. They did put out Doom the movie.

I would keep it short and to the point…the worst they can say is no

Good luck