How much does music licensing cost?

Can someone explain Music Licensing for Film?

• I am 16 and am currently working on a feature film. What worries me is music licensing. I have found several songs that fit my script great, but I am learning that getting rights to use those songs is expensive. Being a student, without much of a budget, this is a problem. I will not be profiting from the film. No sales of DVD's will be made, no admission fees will be charged, nothing. Though I do want to send it to film festivals when it is done, which can have cash prizes. What I want to know is the following.... How can I get permission to use songs without fees? Does my being a minor help me avoid paying fees. I am a student, can that perhaps help me get access to rights, maybe reduce a fee? If I want to go without paying, do I really have to send letters, and wait for responses from all the people who own the rights? I don't have too much time for that. Is it true that I can use 30 seconds or less of a song and bypass the need to buy the rights? How much does it cost to get rights for a song for use in a feature film. I know that is a lot, thanks for your help.

• Answer:

  To get permission, contact the copyright holders. (You're asking for synchronization rights, by the way.) It's up to them whether or not to charge you. You don't have to write them; you can call or email as well. Tell them you're a student and the film will be sent to festivals, but not sold otherwise. You're at the mercy of their discretion. And no, it's not true that you can use a 30 second snippet for free. If the song is recognisable, it's protected.