Gordon Firemark is an attorney whose practice is devoted to the representation of artists, writers, producers and directors in the fields of theater, film, television, and music.
His practice also covers intellectual property, cyberspace, new media and business/corporate matters for clients in the entertainment industry.
This is the first
live, call-in podcast to clear the air on legal
issues for filmmakers and videographers who are
looking for answers to questions related to starting
a production business, copyright issues, contracts,
intellectual property and distribution.
Questions
answered:
Brian asks: I am a member of a nonprofit community
theater company which is currently performing a play
to which Samuel French owns the rights. We would like
to know if we may make one video copy of our
performance so that the actors and directors can view
themselves and improve their performances. Would our
purpose of making a videotape for our own use be
considered a fair use of the Samuel French scripts?
Sheryl asks: I am a TV reporter and my new stations
wants me to sign a contract with a non-compete in it
and a NO Outs clause-meaning I can't take another tv
job in the country until my contact ends. Is this No
outs legal. does it infringe on my bill of rights the
Pursuit of happiness. I feel that I should have some
outs to move to a better tv job offer. I believe I am
being held back from advanceing in my career if I have
to sign this and let go of other great oppurtunites
that may come along. Please help or steer me in the
right direction. thanks
Frank asks: Is it legal for a business to make a
video tape of my event and then use it to promote
business without my prior knowledge or consent? I
recently found out from someone that they are using
these video tapes to promote their business. This is a
tape that I have never had the opportunity to view. I
was under the impression that I would have to have
signed a "release for authorization" - is this
correct? Please post a response - thanks!
June asks: I am a college student, and from time to
time some fellow students like to play movies in our
lounge areas. These are open areas where any resident
may come and watch. We were told by Student Life in
doing this we are infringing on a copy right. Is this
true or not and why?
Lyle asks: Your copyright information is very.
However, I have a particular question that you touched
upon but I have not been able to get an answer to. Are
characters (including character names) in a movie
protected by copyright? In other words, if I write an
original screenplay that uses characters from Batman,
do I need to obtain permission from the copyright
owner? It seems as though the character names would be
protected, but I've heard a few people say that as
long as my work is original (despite the characters),
I can copyright the screenplay myself without
permission from the original author. Any thoughts?
Gordon Firemark is an attorney whose practice is devoted to the representation of artists, writers, producers and directors in the fields of theater, film, television, and music.
Brian asks: I am a member of a nonprofit community
theater company which is currently performing a play
to which Samuel French owns the rights. We would like
to know if we may make one video copy of our
performance so that the actors and directors can view
themselves and improve their performances. Would our
purpose of making a videotape for our own use be
considered a fair use of the Samuel French scripts?
