WEVA Announces Creation of New Music Licensing Program for Clearing Use of Copyrighted Music
August 25, 2006
Sarasota, FL - The Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA) has launched ZOOM, a one-of-a-kind music licensing program for professional videographers and digital imagers in the United States.
Speaking before a packed-house crowd at the WEVA 16th Annual Wedding & Event Video Expo, held this week in Las Vegas, WEVA International Chairman Roy Chapman announced the association has teamed with digital music company INgrooves and EMI Music Publishing, the world's largest music publisher, to create a fully automated, online platform (www.zoomlicense.com) for clearing copyrighted music for use in professional wedding videos and related productions.
To date, there has never been an efficient way for videographers and digital imagers to legally license popular music used in their special event productions, leaving them and/or their clients exposed to potential copyright infringement.
Because the potential licensing fees are small and difficult to administrate on an individual basis, publishers and labels have ignored this niche market. However, the advancements in new technology and the pervasiveness of the Internet, including the advent of broadband, fostered the opportunity for ZOOM to formally bring these two growing industries together.
“For years professional videographers have been searching for a way to formulate a true licensing program that can grow and develop as new artists and songs continuously emerge,” Chapman said. “By working together with INgrooves and EMI Music Publishing, WEVA International has been able to utilize the advantages of new IT efficiencies to make clearance a streamlined process for both the music industry and professional videography. The process will be easy and affordable for all videographers and digital imagers, and will finally offer an automated system for licensing selected music and also provide peace of mind.”
INgrooves and EMI Music Publishing will be clearing songs along with various other music publishers and record labels. EMI represents over 1.5 million songs in all genres, spanning the last 100 years of popular music.
EMI also controls many original works, both theme songs and scores, from hundreds of motion pictures and television shows. Some of their key songwriters are John Lennon, Carole King, James Taylor, Sting, Phil Collins, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Usher & Norah Jones.
With the unveiling of ZOOM at WEVA EXPO 2006 videographers immediately began creating their accounts right on the floor of the EXPO Trade Show. “ZOOM is already open -- you can go to www.zoomlicense.com and create an account now without purchasing anything,” said INgrooves President Robb McDaniels.
“Creating an account will allow you to receive news about ZOOM, including the announcement of the first availability of cleared music next month. Videographers will then purchase a license 'bundle.' They will confirm a song they want is available and register that particular use simply by checking a box. Videographers will also be able to request songs for clearance. The ZOOM platform aggregates all the stored uses and makes payment to the publishers and labels. Music will be cleared for use on a continuous basis as the program grows.”
About INgrooves
INgrooves is a digital media publisher and technology company that provides distribution, marketing, and licensing services through its INgrooves™, INgrooves Mobile Music™, and Digital Music Access™ brands. As the digital representative for frontline releases from artists and labels, INgrooves increases the exposure and earnings potential of its artists and label partners.
INgrooves distributes audio and video content to over 300 internet and mobile stores worldwide using its patent-pending technology platform. Artists and independent labels seeking worldwide marketing and licensing services rely on INgrooves to get their music into TV, films, video games and other branding programs. For more information, check out www.ingrooves.com
About Wedding & Event Videographers Association International
Founded over a decade ago, Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA) is the world's largest trade association for professional wedding and event videographers, and our industry's leading provider of education that's on the cutting-edge.
WEVA is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of videographers worldwide through continuing education, technical support, group benefits, advocacy committees, and professional development training.
For more information about WEVA International and industry events, including the annual WEVA Wedding & Event Video Expo and other industry-wide events for videographers, contact the association at 941-923-5334 or email: [email protected] or visit www.weva.com.
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