What are the legal concerns when the music is being given away from the people who make it. For example, you can get matrix music and LOTR music.

http://www.intothematrixmusic.com
http://dondavis.filmmusic.com
http://www.lordoftherings.com/us/

Sierra's FTP also had a zip of mp3s from The Hobbit game.

They MADE the music and they have it for download.

When it doubt, there is Mutopia (http://www.mutopiaproject.org/).

-Adam Keen

It all comes down to the license agreement...and if it were to ever become an issue (legally), the 'burden of proof' would lie squarely on your shoulders to prove that you had the license to use the music. Personally, I'd hesitate to use *anything* that you can 'download' unless you have the express written permission to use it in the manner you intend.

For example, in the case of the Matrix music by Don Davis, his website is *clearly* marked with this disclaimer:

All content © 2005 Don Davis - For Promotional Use Only

To me, that sounds as if he is posting it to PROMOTE his own work, not so that you can use it in a video production. But of course, that's just my layman's opinion; I'd recommend you consult an IP lawyer to get a legal opinion on it.



2¢ of non-legal information

The legal burden of proof, also a problem with parody. (Illegal bourbon is better)

ftp://ftp.sierra.com/pub/sierra/hobbit/other/thehobbit_music_soundtrack_mp3.zip

The hobbit soundtrack also has about promotional use in it.

Does promoting my own work count?

Adam

Take a moment, or about thirty minutes, to go through Douglas Spotted Eagles excellent FAQ on Copyright here on this board.

http://dvinfo.net/articles/business/copyrightfaq1.php


The quick answer is NO. You can't use any of the music you have mentioned.