Copyrights and Copywrongs

   Submitted by mojo on August 29, 2007 - 12:04pm.    

mojo

The following was reported on Backstage.com, in their union news section:

Equity Nixes Pirated Plays on YouTube

It discusses the problems productions have of the many video cameras that are snuck into theaters and start filming when the houselights go down. The videos often end up on places like YouTube.

Our Code of Conduct would not allow such videos anyway--nor even LINKS to such videos. If we are made aware of such a violation we'll remove them.

Naturally many shows produce short clips for PR purposes. These are cool to link to.

Equity argues these "pirated" tapes are often of poor quality and do not do justice to the performers. Some of the performers interviewed in the article say they are distracted by the blinking lights of the cameras. Others say they don't mind at all, and actually appreciate the interest and the free publicity.

This is always an interesting debate, I think. Anyone care to argue one way or another?

Mojo
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