Reader Question: What’s about including specific songs in a spec script?

Reader Question: What about including specific songs in a spec script?

“There is a supposed rule that a writer cannot use a recorded song in a screenplay. Unlike many of the other ‘rules,’ at least this one is grounded in reality.”

A reader question via Twitter:

I’ve got a pretty quick answer to this question. First, you should know that people in the Hollywood script development community — all the way from top executives to interns and script readers who provide coverage — have been trained to think this when they see a spec script which includes an existing recorded song:

Amateur writer.

There is a supposed rule that a writer cannot use a recorded song in a screenplay. Unlike many of the other ‘rules,’ at least this one is grounded in reality. The reason: The rights to songs cost money. Movies studios and networks either have their own specialists in this area (I actually know one who works at CBS) or hire out people to handle music rights when a film or TV episode is moving through production and post.

So be aware of that mindset. As such generally speaking, do not include a song or songs in your spec script.

Except for this one scenario.

If you have a song which perfectly matches a key theme of your story or absolutely matches the content of a scene or set of scenes, and you can make the argument that the script benefits hugely from including that song, you may consider including it.

What you are banking on is your script falling into the inbox of a reader who is competent enough about Story that they would see through the supposed ‘rule’ against including a recorded song in a spec script and ‘get’ what you are going for thematically by including the song for your story.

But that’s a pretty significant if. You have to figure that many readers will default to the “amateur writer” response, so…

MAKE DAMNED SURE YOUR SCRIPT NEEDS THAT SONG!

Conversely, here is a horrible example song use in a script:

Let’s assume there is no thematic point to using this song, it’s just the writer was envisioning the scene and thought, “Hey, it’d be cool if she’s dancing with a mop to Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

WRONG! A moment like this in a spec script will definitely get dinged by a script reader. You’re costing the production money. Plus, by including the song, you’re doing the job of professionals who know their way around the music licensing world.

So to recap: If you use a previously recorded song in a spec script, it’s likely to get you branded as an amateur writer. However, if you completely, totally, absolutely NEED THIS SPECIFIC SONG in your script because it is TIED TO A KEY STORY THEME, that is an option. But as I said, you’re hoping your script lands on the desk of someone who’s smart enough about story to get what you’re going for.

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