Screenwriting : Writing songs into a Screenplay by Andy Redfern

Andy, I asked this same question recently in a Q&A with RB. My script is about a gentlemen in the music industry and the music is a major part of the movie. Although things may change once in production as you work with the team, RB has always indicated that there are times you must follow what you feel makes your script your own. Make it yours. If the songs are going to carry the story into something that will make it stand out and move it forward, include them in your scene descriptions. Of course, this will not be true in every script you write, but in my opinion, at least discuss the music when you are at the negotiating table. For my nonprofit, we are currently scripting a video and found that a Carole King song we wished to use is $200,000. Needless to say, our nonprofit will not be able to include “Tapestry” in our video as desired, but in the film industry, you should include music if you feel the songs will definitely make a difference in the story. Make it your own. (RB, I hope I quoted that correctly). With that being said, will the person reading it like that you included songs? Some will not mind and others will, but you simply must follow your gut. Many blessings your way Andy!

You can name specific songs or give a flavour of the music - just be aware that the first approach has the potential to isolate your reader and/or take them out of the story and that's not what you want to do.

Hi Andy, I have a script that has flashbacks to the 80's so I have songs from that era. My script wouldn't make sense if it didn't. Hopefully the person or persons reading it will acknowledge that. Otherwise, I just write, "Upbeat Music Plays", for example, when writing a montage.

Someone reading a script with content that obviously requires licensing that isn’t likely to be available would probably find it unprofessional.

This is commonly done as the writer's vision entails a soundtrack. It would be important and be reasonable if the track was affordable (ie., Elton John's greatest hit in a $1m movie might be seen as unreasonable.)

I wouldn't worry unless the songs are crucial to plot. Thats why ppl pay lawyers. That is their job to clear rights. Sorry, but specs are just writing samples until it aint, until someone pays money for the script because they think the idea could be a movie.

Jim Cummings' career jumpstarted doing a short movie, using a Bruce Springsteen song without permission. Dont think Bruce sued him.

You will always conflicting advice about writing specific songs into a screenplay. Personally, I don’t unless it has something important to do with the story. I just tell my story and let the producer and director figure out how it will appear on film. That is their job, not mine.

I agree with most of the comments I've read, however if you're able to create an original track or tracks that are tailored to your film , that goes a long ways.