Phantom Thread Fallout: Music Rights and the Future of Artistic Control
A dispute over the apply of music from Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread in the Melania Trump documentary has ignited a debate about artistic control and copyright in the age of readily available content. Director Anderson and composer Jonny Greenwood have requested the removal of their work, citing a breach of agreement with Universal Pictures. This incident isn’t isolated; it’s a sign of a growing tension between creators and the platforms – and projects – that utilize their work.
The Melania Documentary and the Rising Cost of Needle Drops
The Melania documentary, which reportedly cost $40 million to produce and an additional $35 million for marketing, secured a $40 million streaming deal with Amazon. The film’s financial performance has been scrutinized, with reports of potentially inflated box office numbers and questions surrounding ticket sales. The inclusion of the Phantom Thread score, alongside tracks from artists like Michael Jackson and The Rolling Stones, highlights the increasing reliance on pre-existing music – known as “needle drops” – to add emotional resonance and attract audiences. But, this practice is becoming increasingly expensive and legally complex.
The case of Melania underscores a critical point: even if a studio secures the rights to *use* a song, that doesn’t necessarily grant them carte blanche. Composer agreements often stipulate consultation rights regarding third-party usage, a clause Universal Pictures allegedly overlooked.
Beyond Phantom Thread: A Growing Trend of Music Clearance Disputes
This isn’t the first time artists have objected to their music being used in politically charged or unwanted contexts. The Rolling Stones have repeatedly asked Donald Trump not to use their songs at his rallies. While they don’t own the recordings of songs released before 1971, the principle of artistic autonomy remains. The Phantom Thread situation is different, focusing on a breach of contract rather than political alignment, but it speaks to a broader concern: artists wanting to dictate where and how their work is presented.
The high cost of music licensing is likewise driving this trend. With streaming services and content creation booming, demand for popular songs is soaring, pushing up prices. This has led some filmmakers and producers to seek out lesser-known artists or commission original scores, but established works often remain the preferred choice for their immediate recognition and emotional impact.
The Impact of AI on Music Rights and Copyright
Looking ahead, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) poses novel challenges to music rights and copyright. AI-generated music is becoming increasingly sophisticated, raising questions about authorship and ownership. If an AI creates a song that sounds remarkably similar to an existing work, who owns the copyright? And how will artists protect their intellectual property in a world where music can be replicated and modified with ease?
The legal framework surrounding AI-generated content is still evolving, but it’s clear that the music industry will need to adapt to these new realities. Blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are being explored as potential solutions for tracking music ownership and ensuring fair compensation for artists.
What Does This Imply for Filmmakers and Musicians?
The Phantom Thread dispute serves as a cautionary tale for both filmmakers and musicians. Filmmakers need to be diligent in securing all necessary rights and clearances and they should prioritize open communication with artists and their representatives. Musicians, in turn, need to carefully review their contracts and ensure they have adequate control over how their work is used.
The future of music in film and other media will likely involve a greater emphasis on collaboration and transparency. Artists may demand more say in the projects their music is associated with, and studios may be willing to offer more favorable terms to secure the rights they need. A balance must be struck between artistic freedom and commercial interests.
FAQ
Q: What is a “needle drop”?
A: A “needle drop” refers to the use of pre-existing recorded music in a film, television show, or other visual media.
Q: Why did Paul Thomas Anderson and Jonny Greenwood object to the use of their music?
A: They claimed Universal Pictures failed to consult them before using the Phantom Thread score in the Melania Trump documentary, which they believe is a breach of their composer agreement.
Q: Could AI impact music copyright in the future?
A: Yes, AI-generated music raises complex questions about authorship and ownership, potentially challenging existing copyright laws.
Pro Tip
Always thoroughly review music licensing agreements and ensure you understand the terms and conditions before using any pre-existing music in your project.
What are your thoughts on the use of music in documentaries? Share your opinion in the comments below!
