Warner music group

(This was a piece I wrote several months back but forgot to post)

It was bound to happen.  Warner music group has finally put the squeeze on youtubers everywhere and are silencing videos that have their music content in it.  It doesn't matter if you're a legit filmmaker or a 12 year old girl, if you have content from Warner's your vids will be silenced.  

As a filmmaker I really don't mind, as I'm fully aware that I need to acquire the rights to song before I can use the tune.  However it is kind of annoying to have to put effort into finding songs... oh well c'est la vie.

However I think it's important to note that there are thousands of kids and teenagers (perhaps some grandparents) on YouTube that don't have a clue about how copyrights work.   Shit, even I don't know how to fully get into the music rights (that's what overpriced lawyers are for)

If you read any comments on YouTube about this whole situation it doesn't take too long to figure out that there are some pissed of kids on the Internet.  Can you blame them?  Film and music go together, like peanut butter and jelly.   Most kids are just putting up silly vids of them and their friends hanging out, or "skits" that only mom and dad will see.  

There was talks of Warner and YouTube joining forces in some manner to make YouTube a payed sight. Where that money would go is anyone's guess, however I don't think the artists would be winning here.  Most likely this cash would end up lining Warner's pockets.  Rest assured you have nothing to worry about (at the moment) YouTube squashed that idea pretty quick, maintaining that the site is for everyone.

So what are the alternatives for kids who just want to make fun vids and don't have the knowledge/time/money to acquire the legal rights to play their favorite band's song?

YouTube has taken steps to allow youtubers legit music tracks that they can use in their vids. As it stands, that list is quite piddly. 

I guess the best thing I can suggest to budding film makers and 12 year old girls everywhere is to go down to your local music shop or 2nd hand CD store and find some home grown talent.That's right, local bands almost always, always want their music to be heard.  While this may not be a perfect solution it sure beats watching a video of your best friend stuffing 10 timbits in his mouth without a music track of any kind.