I read the rules concerning the new 'Lost and Found' contest and read that the music has to be original or royalty-free. Does this mean I can put in a piano piece that was made and copywritten in 1915 into my short? I'm 100% sure that any piece of music made before 1923 is part of the public domain.

The music is probably in the public domain, but to be legal you need rights to the recording. Your best bet is to find a good composer who will play it for you, and give you your very own recording

No telling if it is public domain or not without checking. The copyright expiration is based on the date of the composer's death and the composer's estate can apply for an extension. Also as stated above, even if the music is public domain, the recording of it is not.

You need a composer like me to produce a custom soundtrack for you

www.portelance.com

So are we allowed to use copyrighted music if we get all-around permission? Or should I ask Chris about the specifics?

If you get permission, then yes. But the evidence of the permission would have to be submitted with the film.

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

Got it. Thanks, Chris.

By the way, Bob Dylan signs his name with an "X," so don't question my permission form.

Hahah!

Ummm...if you're using Bob Dylan in your film I'd be a little suspicious.

But if it is say, a local band, then it would be more likely.

-Chris
Studentfilms.com

Bob Dylan is cool. We should have a film competition where we all use his songs.

I call "Hurricane." Get me Denzel.

Might have to cut it down a bit though if the time limit is gonna be 5 minutes.