Clip & Still Image Licensing

Click here for a downloadable Content Licensing request form.

Sony Pictures Content Licensing provides advertisers, publishers, broadcasters, and entertainment productions around the world licensed access to clips, audio, still images, one-sheets, posters, screenplay excerpts, and thematic elements originating from Sony Pictures' feature films and television programs.

With licensable content from acclaimed masterpieces such as Lawrence of Arabia, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and On the Waterfront, plus blockbuster franchises including Spider-Man™ and Men in Black, the Features library collection offers unparalleled access to the best from Columbia Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Screen Gems, Stage 6 Films and others.

Not to be outdone, the Television library collection includes some of television's earliest hits like Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie, all-time classic shows like All in the Family and The Jeffersons, nostalgic favorites like The Nanny and Dawson's Creek, and recent-day hits such as Outlander, Breaking Bad and The Crown.

Sony Pictures is also the exclusive film clip and still image licensor for Samuel Goldwyn Films’ classic library of titles produced by the legendary Samuel Goldwyn from 1923 to 1959. This acclaimed collection of titles from Hollywood’s Golden Age includes legendary films such as Guys and Dolls, The Bishop’s Wife, Wuthering Heights, The Pride of the Yankees, The Best Years of Our Lives, and many more.

To consider a request to license clips, stills, audio, posters, dialogue, or any other thematic elements, the following information is required:
Titles and release dates of the productions being requested.
Description and length of clips you wish to license.
Type and purpose of the project or program in which you propose to include the material.
Detailed information describing exactly how the licensed material will be used in your project. For audiovisual programs, please include a synopsis of the script and relevant script pages illustrating how the material will be incorporated into the project or program. For published works, please include the associated text and the relevance of the licensed material.
Expected distribution of your project or program including media, territory, and length of term. Also provide broadcast, release, or publication date.
The name of the copyright holder of your project, if different from your company.
Contact information including a business name and address, phone number, and email address. If you are outside the United States or Canada, please provide the international access code for your country and city.

Click here for a downloadable Content Licensing request form.

FAQs

How do I license a clip or still image for my project/program?

If you wish to license clips, stills, audio, posters, dialogue, or any other thematic elements, please submit a request by email to ClipLicensing@spe.sony.com.

Please include the following information:
Titles and release dates of the productions being requested.
Description and length of clips you wish to license.
Type and purpose of the project or program in which you propose to include the material.
Detailed information describing exactly how the licensed material will be used in your project. For audiovisual programs, please include a synopsis of the script and relevant script pages illustrating how the material will be incorporated into the project or program. For published works, please include the associated text and the relevance of the licensed material.
Expected distribution of your project or program including media, territory, and length of term. Also provide broadcast, release, or publication date.
The name of the copyright holder of your project, if different from your company.
Contact information including a business name and address, phone number, and email address. If you are outside the United States or Canada, please provide the international access code for your country and city.
Any additional questions or concerns.

How much does it cost to license a clip or image?

License fees are determined based on the material being licensed, the rights requested, and the project in which the material will be used.

What is included in the license?

Pending review and approval of your request, Sony Pictures will grant rights for the use of copyrighted material in the media, territory and term requested. The license does not include clearances for talent, locations, or material copyrighted by a third party. Duplication costs to create digital or physical elements for your project are also not included in the license fee.

Will I need to clear the actors in a clip or still?

Probably. Depending on when the licensed production was released and the proposed use of the material, actors may have to be contacted for a written release and a re-use payment may need to be made. The Screen Actors Guild (www.sagaftra.org) may be able to provide useful information on obtaining consents and making payments. You may also consider contacting a professional clearance service. We can provide a list of clearance service providers upon request.

How do I handle stunt performers?

You should attempt to identify each stunt performer featured in the clip or still that you want to use. If you are unable to identify a particular stunt performer, you might try contacting the stunt coordinator on the film. Stunt coordinators can often be located through SAG or via the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com). SAG will assist you with obtaining payment information for the featured stunt performer and advise you on the appropriate SAG scale payment.

Is music included in a clip license?

No, music rights are licensed separately from clip rights. To acquire a license for the music in a clip, please email Patrick_Massaro@spe.sony.comin Sony Pictures Music Affairs.

Are there other guilds I need to contact to clear a clip or a still?

There may be additional clearances required from the Writers Guild of America (www.wga.org) and/or the Directors Guild of America (www.dga.org).

Can I make changes to the clip or still?

Alterations or modifications of clips or stills are not permitted without the express written consent of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Where do I license clips from the Sony Pictures Classics library?

Please email Kendra_Guffey@spe.sony.comwith Sony Pictures Classics to license any material from the Sony Pictures Classics catalog..

How do I obtain a license to screen a Sony Pictures Entertainment program for my group or organization?

For any repertory or non-theatrical screenings of Sony Pictures properties – including screenings for religious organizations, school groups, and corporate events – please email David_Jennings@spe.sony.com in Sony Pictures Repertory Sales.