Copyright Question

[Envisioned]

Recently, my church became more involved in media ministry. One project we are currently pursuing is the production of various promotional videos for various ministry endeavors.

My question is regarding the use of music and audio within the videos. Some have expressed interest of using short clips of our choirs, special singing, etc. within the overall promotional production. What are the copyright stipulations regarding utilizing music when sang by one's own people?

For instance: Lets say my church choir sings a worship song that is still under copyright. How much (if any) of the choir's singing can we use under Fair Use policy?

Thanks for the help!

[Billy n NC]

Boy that is a doozy of a question. This subject has hours of discussion on many Media Ministry boards.


There is a whole forum over at ChurchMedia. Net. (If I may say is the absolute best best best friend of any Media Ministry person.)

http://www.churchmedia.net/copyright-issues/

Actually a new thread sent us this article just yesterday.

Top ten myths dealing with Copyrights.

http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html

There was website/blog a few months back that had a great podcast on the subject.

Here is the link.

http://creativesynergypodcast.com/2007/05

Hope this helps.

[Envisioned]

Thank you for these resources. Will review the sources and will post any followup questions.