Target: Youtube

[marshallkarp]

http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/target__youtube_regionalnews_tim_arango.htm

You know, I have always wondered about this - how youtube, video.google, and the rest were getting away with enabling breaking copyright laws. I have looked at quite a few on line videos and dive videos and there are Pirates of the Caribbean movie background music, commercially produced new age and love song music, television theme music, and so on. Not to mention, movie and television clips.

Copyright laws are easy, if you don't own the rights to to a song, video, or film, you have to get permission to show it. If you don't or can't get permission and put it out there on the web, you could be opening up yourself to a lawsuit.

When I started posting videos to Google video, they had people screening the videos for copyright infringement. I guess so many people were posting that they backed off to that if someone complains, they will take the video down.

My first video, I thought some commercially produced music (Vangelis) would be perfect for my video and contacted EMI Music Publishing for permission to use it. They sent me a one word email, "NO". So that was that.

Now the video and pictures you shoot are yours and you can do what you want with them (though you may have to get people or location releases). But, if you don't produce the music, well, you just need to hope that the producer or title holder doesn't come after you.

I know it is stifling creativity, but it is what it is.

 

[H2Andy]

i've always thought that there should be a "non-profit" exception to copyright laws.

if you're not using it to make a buck, it should be ok to use.

of course, that could become the exeption that swallows the rule.

 

[divezero]

When we were into filming skateboarding, we produced a video and were about to sign a contract for them to buy 10,000 copies......but then they wanted to know if we got permission to use the music....and we didnt, so that was that. They told us if you use someones music without permission, and gain profit, then thats when a lawsuit is coming. But if you use it for your personal videos, then thats cool.

But we learned from that and are now filming dive videos, we did get permission to all of our songs because we dont want to take any chances, but ya I think you are right, if it isnt yours, dont use it even if you arent making profit. It doesnt take much to ask.

 

[JamesD]

Realistically I think the "for profit" or not thing depends on distribution networks.

I basically go with, the following

If I am making a video that is going to be distributed to maybe a few of my dive buddies/friends/family, I use whatever music I feel like using.

If I am making a video I intend to put up on YouTube or Google video or any other online video site, then I use music I've created, or music I've asked for permission to use, or music that is free.

(I never sell videos so don't have that part to worry about).

 

[MAUI DIVER]

aloha from maui.

I use music from bands I know..and new up and coming talent.....its the easiest and has worked for me.

aloha