Contacting rights holders

[orkybash]

Hey,

I'm thinking making a CD inspired by Tolkien's works (specifically, the Silmarillion). I would assume such a venture would require paying royalties to whoever holds the rights currently. So here's what I'm wondering:

1. Who does hold the rights?
2. How do I contact them?

Thanks in advance for your help on this!

[osszie]

I think several people/company's hold the rights to various interpretations to tolkiens work

this is as good a place to start looking as any tho';)

http://www.loc.gov/copyright/

[hama1]

Sorry for the delay.

The rights to the place names and character names are held by The Saul Zaentz Company d/b/a Tolkien Enterprises.

The contact person is Laurie Battle, Director of Licensing
2600 Tenth Street
Berkeley, California 94710

Good luck with your project.

[Eowyn of Rohan]

I assume, Hama, because you know this that you've already gone about getting the rights?
Interested to learn of their reaction upon learning of your plans.

[hama1]

Tolkien Enterprises was I think very shrewd in initially witholding the broadway and london production rights as they feel the success or at that time hoped for success of the films would only enhance the value of the property. Their initial reaction I would describe as skeptical at best. But as Laurie said "At the end of the day we are business people. Bring us a proposal that makes financial sense." Fortunately there are lawyers and agents to do that.

I really need to get off my keester and finish the demo cd and push my agent to find a producer.