'Melania' documentary film must remove Radiohead founder's song, composer demands
Jonny Greenwood, the composer for a song used in the 'Melania' documentary, has demanded its removal, claiming it was used without proper permission.
Jonny Greenwood, known for his work with Radiohead, along with film director Paul Thomas Anderson, has requested that the documentary film 'Melania' remove his song 'Barbara Rose,' which was allegedly used without his consent. Greenwood's representative issued a statement claiming that Universal, the studio behind the film, failed to consult with him regarding the use of the song from the score of 'Phantom Thread,' thereby violating his composer agreement. Since Greenwood does not hold the copyright to the score, it raises questions about the legal and ethical use of music in film productions.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the film industry over music licensing and rights management. Additionally, it brings to light the significance of proper consultation when utilizing a composer's work in new projects. While Greenwood's demand is a reaction to a breach of agreement, it also serves as a broader reminder for filmmakers to clarify rights and permissions beforehand in order to prevent similar disputes and ensure respectful collaboration with artists.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Amazon MGM Studios for their comment on the issue, indicating that further developments could arise depending on the studio's response. This story not only impacts the documentary but also sets a precedent for how musical pieces are regarded within the context of documentaries, reinforcing the need for legal integrity within the creative arts.