Writing.Com General Discussion

For a quote from a person said as that person (i.e., not as a character), so long as you acknowledge who said it, you're fine. Also, so long as the speeches have not been copyrighted (i.e. most awards speeches). Ted talks are generally okay. Famous speeches are considered public domain, so Churchill's "We shall fight them on the beaches..." is fine.

You cannot quote song lyrics without getting permission from the song-writers, the publishing company and any ancillary companies, and most of the time it will cost you money (sometimes a lot).

Same deal for quotes from films and other properties now owned by the Disney company. They will charge you a fortune or just say NO if they don't think you're important enough.

Books it depends. Big 5 companies, generally no. Self-published, need permission of author. Indy, it can be complicated. If you're using a line from one of Churchill's books, check with the publisher.

Films, it pays to check with the production company, the distributor and the screenwriter(s), but don't assume the answer will be yes, or that it will be free.

Hope that helps.