Hard to Find Performance Rights
by John Kenrick
(Copyright 2004)
If the musical you want is not listed in our Stage
Rights Index, that means the rights (as well as the script &
score) are not available through any standard
channels. Some reasons for this might be --
- No rights provider believes there is enough public interest in
that particular musical.
- There may be legal disputes over who controls the rights.
- If a show is still running on Broadway and/or the West End, amateur
rights are often withheld or restricted.
You may still be able to get the rights to such a project. First, you
will have to locate the current rights holders, and then make your case
directly to them. There are several
professional organizations that may be able to help you.
To find older or deceased writers, contact --
Authors League of America
330 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 564-8350
For current writers --
Dramatists Guild, Inc.
234 West 44th Street
New York, NY, 10036
(212) 398-9366
Website: www.dramaguild.com
To locate Broadway composers, lyricists or their estates, there are
two organizations --
ASCAP
American Society of Composers and Publishers
One Lincoln Plaza
New York, NY 10023
(212) 621-6000
Website: www.ascap.com
BMI
Broadcast Music International
320 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019-3790
(212) 586-2000
Website: www.bmi.com
Some rights holders will be delighted to hear from you -- others may
not even be willing to give you so much as a moment of their time.
But if you really want hard to find rights, its worth a try. Good
luck in your search!
Back to: Stage Rights Index |