In the article Doc-makers get specific about copyright fair use Steve Behrens writes that things have changed for documentary producers who need to use somebody else’s footage or music in their films. He reports that on Nov. 18th the Association of Independent Video and Filmmakers, the Independent Documentary Association, public TV’s Independent Television Service and the series P.O.V., and other media groups endorsed a Statement of Best Practices defining four kinds of situations when a producer, under the “fair use” provisions of copyright law, need not pay for a film clip, a shot of a painting or a snatch of music. Good article.
The full report is available for download: “Documentary Filmmakers’ Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use,” (PDF, 160KB, 12 pages) from the Center for Social Media.
David,
Great, informative website! Thank you for all the useful information! I was especially interested in your doc about John Marshall. Met him a couple of times while I was living in Cambridge (1981-1987). I admired his films–especially Joking Relationship. Hope to see your documentary at the Anthology here in New York in March.
Best regards,
Barry Strongin
MIT Film/Video Section, MS 1983
PS: I went to the Village School in Syosset, NY with Alice Apley!