When a musician decides to sample something from TV or a movie, how does that sample get cleared for use?
There is a common misperception that if a clip is under a certain number of seconds that it doesn’t need clearance, but that is untrue.
So, who does one contact and what sort of clearance form is needed?
As I understand it, you go through the publisher or through ASCAP or BMI, whichever the publisher is affiliated with.
ASCAP has a great database at http://www.ascap.com/ace/ace.html. Search for the song and down at the bottom of the page, you’ll see info on whom to contact at ASCAP for clearance.
Hope this helps.