	AllExperts > Writing Plays/Screenwriting
	Search

About Anthony T. Carter
Expertise
I am an active screenwriter/playwright/lyricist, director, and scenic designer...so I can answer questions in those areas. I write in the genres of serio-comedy, farce, satire, drama.

Experience
I am a playwright in residence for a few local theatres in my town. I have also written an produced a few screenplays and have written and produced a television pilot.

Organizations
Method Machine (Playwright in Residence) Nuts and Bolts (Improv Story Editor) Associate Member of the Dramatist Guild of America Radworks (Associate Artist) Royal Autumn Entertainment (Founder)

Publications
Reaping Folk (2006) The Nutty and the Profound (2007)

Education/Credentials
B.A. Theatre Arts, Nazareth College of Rochester 2007

Past/Present Clients
Nazareth College of Rochester Method Lab Nuts and Bolts Radworks Wilson Magnet High School

You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Writing > Writing Plays/Screenwriting > jukebox musical

Writing Plays/Screenwriting - jukebox musical

Expert: Anthony T. Carter - 10/23/2009

Question
Hi Anthony!

I actually sent this same question to Arlene but I'm hoping you don't mind me asking you it as well. Getting a second opinion doesn't hurt, right? :p

I'm attempting to write a musical based on a band's songs. Their music is very epic and fits perfectly for the stage. Every time I listen to their songs, I envision a story being told on stage and this is exactly what I want to do.

But, I know I'll need permission to use their songs. Should I contact the band at all? I've tried emailing their manager (several months ago) but I haven't gotten a response. Should I try again, or perhaps sending him/the band a written letter in the mail instead? Or should I be getting in contact with their music publisher instead?

The reason why I want to get in touch with the band is because the music is very personal to the man who created the band and songs. It would be amazing if he would collaborate on this (think Mamma Mia! and the guys from ABBA being involved in that musical).

I've had this idea for years and have been working on it for a couple of years already. Some people have said I should finish writing the script before I contact anyone...but my only issue is what if I finish writing the script, contact the band or whoever to ask permission to use their songs and they end up declining? Then writing that whole script will be a waste. I just need to know how I should go about all this.

Thanks for any help you can give! :)

Answer
Hmmm...the creative and logical sides of me are clashing...not a good thing haha. Um from the creative standpoint I would say go ahead and write the thing and have fun. It would be a great tool to get work with, even if you couldn't make it. The logical side of me is like...why waste the time and energy and sweat.

So realistically...you should try and get a hold of the rights holders. That being the publisher, if all else fails or at the same time...see if you can get ahold of the band. Paper mail...not the best idea. They may send you back a tee shirt.

Best of luck
Ant

Add to this Answer Ask a Question