I recently sent a customized corporate demo video to a client through email. They refused the job. I later found out they showed a competitor the sample I sent. My competitor copied the same angles and shots IN SEQUENCE, planted duplicate looking actors within shots AND made the video look exactly the same for less! There is a small PHP script one can download for your website that allows you to set the terms of usage straight before a client downloads your videos. It displays a license agreement before it lets the visitor download the file. You can restrict usage, viewing audience, establish a non-disclosure - if they don't agree to the terms- the download simply doesn't happen....is a license agreement good protection? If there is not a copyright notice within your video is your work still copyrighted? or is there an "assumed" copyright? If your work is not registered with the U.S. Copyright Office is your work "legally" copyrighted?
 

Brian asks: is there a standard rate for licensing news footage to local/national outlets. I carry one of those palm video cameras around with me everywhere I go. Were I to capture something newsworthy, what would be my best o course of action? I would not opt to sell the footage outright, but would rather maintain ownership and license the footage on a per request basis.

Tyler asks: I am interested in shooting and selling my own stock footage. Mostly nature and that sort of stuff, but there might be some shots of maybe a pier with people walking on it or stuff like that. What do I need to do in order to not break copyright law. For nature do I have to do anything? What about if people are walking in the shot, do I need to get everyone's written permission? Thanks

Scott asks: Dear Law & Video Podcast: An associate of mine recently shot a film for which he hired a friend as cinematographer, but neglected to secure a release form for the footage. They then agreed the friend would edit the film, but four years later, he's not finished the job. Further, he's become so attached to the project, he threatens to sue if we use another editor. He is willing to let the project die rather than see it released any way but his. He's been paid for the photography services; can he be compelled to release his interest in the project so my associate can finish the film?

And we have a voicemail question: An underwater videographer shot some video and sent it to a local dive shop. They loved the video and asked if they could include some stills from the video in their brochures. After calling the dive shop with a price, communication has gone silent. I'm worried they are going to create stills from the video without my permission...what are the legal ramifications if they do go ahead and do this?

Show notes

Gordon Firemark's website
Theater Law