#44 Research/Planning – Music Clearance and Copyright Research

Hey everyone, Adrian here. One of the final steps in locking this film properly was addressing music copyright. Since this project is being submitted for Cambridge A Level assessment, I needed to make sure any copyrighted music used was handled correctly and responsibly.

For the opening sequence, I identified two tracks that best fit the tone and pacing of the film. Rather than guessing or assuming fair use, I took the time to research the ownership and publishing details for both songs. Using official music rights databases, I was able to trace the publishers and copyright holders connected to each track and find the appropriate contact information.

Once I had that information, I drafted and sent formal permission requests via email. Each email clearly explains that the film is strictly educational and non-commercial, with a total runtime of approximately five minutes. I also specified that only the first ten seconds of each song would be used, and that the film will not be released publicly, monetized, or distributed online. The only audience will be Cambridge examiners for assessment purposes.

This process was important not just for legality, but for professionalism. It shows clear awareness of copyright rules, ethical media practice, and real industry workflows. Even if permission is not granted, documenting this effort demonstrates responsible decision-making and research, which is essential for Media Studies evaluation.

Reaching out directly to rights holders was a necessary step in making sure the production meets Cambridge expectations and reflects how real filmmakers handle music licensing at every level.