Unlocking the Beatles: The High Cost of Licensing Their Music for Film and TV
The Beatles' music became more accessible when their catalogue was made available on streaming services. Despite this, the band's brand protectors are selective about licensing their original songs for use in film and television projects. The demand for Beatles songs is high, but the price for licensing them is even higher. While cover versions of Beatles classics are common in soundtracks, hearing the actual Beatles perform their songs in movies or TV shows is rare.
In a 2012 episode of the TV series Mad Men titled 'Lady Lazarus', a surprising inclusion of the Beatles' 'Tomorrow Never Knows' made headlines. This was a significant moment as it marked the first time the original Beatles recording was used in the show. The show's creator, Matthew Weiner, expressed his desire for authenticity by featuring the Beatles' music, considering them the band of the 20th century.
To secure the rights to use 'Tomorrow Never Knows', the producers of Mad Men had to pay $250,000 and share the context of the scene with Apple Corps, the Beatles' company. Weiner believed that the song's revolutionary nature and the band's cultural impact justified the effort to include it in the show. The psychedelic sound of the song contrasted with the character Don Draper's struggle to connect with the changing youth culture.
Despite the high cost of licensing the Beatles' music, Weiner defended Apple Corps' decision, stating that it was not about money but about preserving the band's legacy and artistic impact. The use of 'Tomorrow Never Knows' in Mad Men added a layer of authenticity and cultural significance to the show, showcasing the Beatles' forward-thinking approach to music.