What to use for background TV sound?

[ctbehrens]

There are several scenes in my film in which the TV is playing OC - what can I legally use for the sound?

Thanks!

[1]

I'd record it yourself. It hasn't got to be decipherable, does it?

[um3k]

We have a scene in our film where a group is in a theater, watching Lord of the Rings. Rather than fiddle about with audio licensing and such, we simply recorded our own soundtrack--and a quite hilarious one, to boot. The screen isn't visible, as that would open a whole new bag of worms.

[ctbehrens]

I'm concerned about recording audio that is from a television show and running into legal problems - can I record the audio from television programs and put it in my film as background noise?

[Almohada]

Don't think you should take the risk. Just record it yourself, you can add a track for the audience's laughter etc. if it is a comedic show. But it really depends on your film. If it's going to be in the background, just do it yourself

[cgbier]

Try to get FCE 3.5 on ebay. It still has SoundTrack (non-)Pro included. The media of that program contain everything you need.

Install it into a separate (from FCE4) directory, throw away FCE 3.5 and enjoy the luxury of ST(non-)pro.

[Dr. Benway]

Just record and distort it - and in future don't tell anyone, or post here.

[jordanService]

Actually, I'm fairly certain some background noise of a tv show would fall under fair use. However, that doesn't mean someone couldn't sue you for the profits of your project, and give you a lot of legal trouble.... even if you are right.

[Steve_Karl]

Download a public domain movie and use the sound track from one of those.
http://www.publicdomainflicks.com/

There are plenty available and quite a lot of them are very good. You can even get Frank Sinatra in "Suddenly" ( cool film ) and it would be OK to use. http://www.publicdomainflicks.com/0323-suddenly/

A few that I have: ( See attached ) I've found quite a few interesting public domain films at the above site.

[ctbehrens]

Thanks Steve - that's perfect!

Thanks guys for all the suggestions.

Chris

[cgbier]

Or Archive.org. They also have TV shows from the 50/60's.

[Steve_Karl]

ahhh I forgot about that one!

[cgbier]

Yeah, me too. I only remembered it after your hint at PDflicks.

[Steve_Karl]

I think maybe I got half of my collection over the yrs. from archive.org ... back when they had the really lame looking site.

[cgbier]

Yeah, me too. Especially, as I'm no fan of modern Hollywood. The invention of color film screwed up everything.

[1]

...and it would be OK to use

Nice list!
Like to point out that even with those films it isn't completely cut-n'-dry, but the likelihood of trouble down the road is MINIMAL for sure.

Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia that I believe to be true:
"Film copyright is actually a “package” of rights. A film can lose its copyright in some of those rights while retaining copyright in other rights.
Expert attorneys in the field of public domain sometimes differ in their opinions as to whether a particular film is in the public domain."

[pro-hobbyist]

I prefer recording it myself. That way in the background you can hear "now it's a shower curtain, but just pull these tabs and... it's a hammock!"