Copyright Question,

[Moog]

Hi guys,

I have a question about copyright and how close we can sail to the edge before we breach. (ooh - I sound like a pirate film).

Without wanting to give too much away about my idea, can anyone tell me about issues regarding famous people.
Let's say, for example (and this IS only an example) I wanted to have a character in my piece who was a famous actor, and was intending to use a look-a-like.
a) would that in itself be a breech?
b) would it only be in violation if I call them by name?
c) could I get away with them quoting (or paraphrasing) famous lines?

Now, this isn't really my scenario, but I could draw parallels.
If any moderators or lovefest staff would like to know my actual idea to offer advice, I'd be happy to give it and grateful for the help. Just drop me a PM. I hope you understand me not wanting to plaster it all over the boards. :)

Cheers guys...
hope to see you on the entry list :)

moog

[Luis Caffesse]

Hi guys

Is that your question?
:)

If so, the answer is - 'yes, hello'

[Luis Caffesse]

Woah ... lets not jump the gun here.
Using a look a like wouldn't be a breach of copyright of any kind, in and of itself.
People use look a likes all the time for specific things....
If this were satire of some sort, wouldn't that be okay?

Where you get into problems is quoting or paraphrasing famous lines.
You can't include material you don't have the rights to. Period.
But using someone who happens to look like someone else? I don't see any problem there.

No one can stop you form using an actor that looks like Brad Pitt...but you can't credit him as Brad Pitt.. that would just be an outright lie.

[Cryogenic Filmworks]

Woah ... lets not jump the gun here.
Using a look a like wouldn't be a breach of copyright of any kind, in and of itself.
People use look a likes all the time for specific things....
If this were satire of some sort, wouldn't that be okay?

Where you get into problems is quoting or paraphrasing famous lines.
You can't include material you don't have the rights to. Period.
But using someone who happens to look like someone else? I don't see any problem there.

No one can stop you form using an actor that looks like Brad Pitt...but you can't credit him as Brad Pitt.. that would just be an outright lie.

But you could credit him as Bradd Pit right..... :grin:

[ESTEBEVERDE]

Here we go again. :)


Look up fair use.

There are links here on the forum.


As to copyright, you can actually legally use footage of the real actor under certain circumstances.


For your use... as always... it all depends on the who what when where and why.


Read up a bit and if you still have serious questions seek qualified legal counsel.

[ESTEBEVERDE]

But you could credit him as Bradd Pit right..... :grin:



Only in Porn. :tongue:

[Moog]

heh heh - You're quick off the mark Luis! you must sit glued to the boards :)

I'll take a look at the fair usage stuff - cheers Estebeverde.