I am about half way through my first ever screenplay. My question is...how big of a no-no is it to recommend certain songs to be played at certain parts in my film? As a lifelong musician, I feel a huge attachment to placing certain songs with certain parts. However, I have heard that this will turn off many screenplay readers. Is this a deal breaker for readers when they see this recommendation from a writer?
Thank you for your help!
Brian
Stop.
Stop.
Stop.
Whatever it is you're doing - stop.
If you're "considering" a "recommendation" of a song then I know you're writing a spec screenplay for someone else, not yourself, to produce.
Otherwise, you could put in any old dandy tune you want and it's only you and the attorneys fighting over how much you're going to be sued for damages.
Speaking of attorneys, it's not so much as the copyright on songs, as in lyrics, that is the issue, as it is the copyrights on
music, which is really what you're asking about.
Songs.
Music.
Two different things you have to pay rights for.
And they're expensive, especially the ones people will generally recognize.
Short N sweet: FUGEDABOUDIT!
Screw the screenplay readers!
Consider the poor producers that gotta pay for it!
So, now we get to the issue of tailoring a screenplay to fit the music (DON'T!) vs. writing a story and finding "an acceptable (affordable) alternative" musical selection.
That'll be the producer/director/studio's decision.
IF someone pays you for your screenplay you'll certainly be in a conference with them, likely plenty more than once, for rewrites galore.
So wait until then to provide your musical recommendations.
Now, back to screenplay writing...
Five bucks say's you'll benefit from this:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/12721428/Professional-Screenplay-Formatting-Guide
For a free online resource it's pretty good.
Meat N taters.
Keeps you outta trouble for most stuff.
Spec screenplay writing is a unique art form like any other.
GL & GB
Ray