FAQs

Advance Viewing
Q:  I’d like to see the Program before deciding whether to book it. How can I do that?
A:  One of the Programs may be near enough for you to view.  Please let us know if you’d like to attend one of the performances.  Click here to view the schedule.

Length of Program
Q:  How long is the Program?
A:  The West Side Story film runs 2 hours and 34 minutes, plus intermission.

Total Minutes of Music
Q:  How much music is in the film?
A:  The West Side Story film has a total of 92 minutes of music, with 48 minutes and 27 seconds of music in the first half and 43 minutes and 33 seconds of music in the second half.

Outdoor Venues
Q:  Is it possible to show the Program outdoors?
A:  Yes! We’ve already shown the Program at the Hollywood Bowl, Wolf Trap, Tanglewood, and Ravinia, among others.

Costs
Q:  How much does the Program cost?
A:  There are various costs to the Presenter associated with the Program, including the license fee, conductor’s fee (negotiated separately with the conductor), tech rentals necessary to perform the Program, etc.  The number of performances you would like to license, their venues and the respective fees will all be discussed as part of the negotiation of your license. Click here to contact our agent to start the process!

Rights
Q:  What rights are covered by the fee?
A:   The fee covers all the rights needed to present the film with the live music. In addition to the performance rights, the rental of the score and parts, and the rehearsal DVD are included in the fees. However, the presenter is responsible for the return shipping of all musical materials, including the rehearsal DVD.

Perusal Score
Q:   Is a perusal score available?
A:   Yes! Please contact our representative for the link.

Orchestra Score and Parts 
Q:  How do I arrange to get the performance materials once I have booked the Program?
A:  Once the agreement is signed and the necessary deposit paid, Boosey and Hawkes will ship the orchestra score and a set of parts to the librarian of the performing ensemble along with a rehearsal DVD for the assistant conductor upon the signing of an agreement. The conductor’s score and rehearsal DVD may be sourced through the Leonard Bernstein Office via our agent.

Promotional Material
Q:  Will you be able to provide promotional materials?
A:  Yes, we have downloadable, password-protected materials on the website for that purpose. These materials will be made available to you upon the agreement of a deal by all parties.

Conductors
Q:  Can you provide a list of conductors who have already performed the Program?
A:  Yes, the list of conductors who have performed the work is continuously updated on the Conductors page of this website.

Screen Dimensions
Q:  What if we don’t have a 32′ wide screen available, or our hall can’t accommodate that width?
A:   We would be willing to consider other widths, so long as the aspect ratio (2.2:1) is maintained.  Please contact our agent to discuss them.

Tech Requirements
Q: What technology is needed to synchronize the film with the orchestra?
A:  A variety of tools are used to help make this a seamless process, including click tracks and a visual cue system on a separate screen for the conductor.

Touring
Q:  Is the Program available for touring?
A:  Yes!  The number of performances and their venues will be part of your discussion with our agent.

Holds & Blocks
Q: What if the Program is already playing near me and I want to present it, would I still be able to?
A:  It is possible. Our agent works with each presenter to ensure a successful presentation of the Program, avoiding overlapping of territory, and with sufficient lead time for promotion. All such matters are decided on a case-by-case basis.

Subtitles
Q:  Are subtitles available for the film?
A:  Yes! Please click here for a list of existing approved subtitles.

Q:  What if my language doesn’t appear on the list in this website; how much will it cost to create a version in my language?
A:   All subtitles must be approved by MGM in advance of the Program. While this process may be time-consuming, for a very modest fee and enough lead time, we will work with you to obtain approved subtitles in any language by acting as intermediary with MGM and by overlaying the subtitles onto the film. Please contact our agent for details.

Arrangements
Q:  Can I make an arrangement of the score for my ensemble?
A:   No arrangements of the West Side Story film score are allowed under any circumstances.