Why does my footage look like this?

Man JitCam, I was reading this thread, and by the middle of page two when everyone was talking about music back and forth, I thought to myself, "I'm gonna post the words "I like turtles" at the end of this. Then I hit page 3, and all it said was

JitCam - i like turtles

Thanks for nothing.
 
chapelgrovefilms said:
I'm sorry you think we're 'uptight' because we don't like to see people's art stolen and used without their consent. I'm glad you got your question answered, though.

It's the law, man. If that doesn't bother you, that's up to you.
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Now grampa, lets not get our panties in a bunch
 
yommytacoe said:
Now grampa, lets not get our panties in a bunch
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And let's not be insulting.

There are people who obey the law and people who don't care. I don't know which he is. As another poster stated, professionals abide by the law, they adhere to the terms of contracts, and they expect the same from those with whom they deal. Simple as that.
 
Seriously everyone complaining in here about copyright laws needs watch this video. You might learn a thing or two.

So as far as breaking the law goes, you must have purchased every song on your ipod right? Never ever in your life drove above a posted speed limit? J-walked? I highly doubt that.
 
To be fair, all industries look at the level of damage and cost vs reward in these cases. Yes, if you drive 31 MPH in a 30 MPH zone you have committed a crime. Given all the factors, you won't get a ticket unless, as pointed out, someone wants to make an example of you. Even then, you'll beat the ticket eventually.

People are not perfect and technically violate laws all the time. Ethically, it might have been better not to attach the music, especially since the question was about video. But, can you show intent? Damage? Is this worth the trouble? I doubt it.

Its probably best not to go there, but an occasional situation is certainly forgivable.

Drive safe.
 
I don't have an iPod. I have a Zen. And yes, I purchased every song on there.

I've exceeded the speed limit on occasion. I could get caught and given a ticket, which I'd have to pay. And my insurance might go up. But there is absolutely zero possibility that someone will sue me and take away my house, all my money, and attach future earnings. And I certainly won't do any jail time. All of these are possible with copyright infringement. Likely? Probably not. But possible. And it's a risk people should be aware of.

Now, if I were applying for a job as a driving instructor, and my potential employer wanted to ride with me to see how good a driver I am, it would be foolish of me to speed (even a little bit) or roll through a stop sign, wouldn't it? Those 'little things' would likely keep me from getting hired.

In this business, copyrights are extremely valuable. I personally feel it's a very bad idea to use stolen copyrighted material to create something you hope will convince studios to hire you to work for them.

This is a personal decision that every one of us has to make. My decision is, I will not steal someone else's intellectual property. Period. Everyone else can decide the issue for themselves.
 
metro2307 said:
To be fair, all industries look at the level of damage and cost vs reward in these cases. Yes, if you drive 31 MPH in a 30 MPH zone you have committed a crime. Given all the factors, you won't get a ticket unless, as pointed out, someone wants to make an example of you. Even then, you'll beat the ticket eventually.

People are not perfect and technically violate laws all the time. Ethically, it might have been better not to attach the music, especially since the question was about video. But, can you show intent? Damage? Is this worth the trouble? I doubt it.

Its probably best not to go there, but an occasional situation is certainly forgivable.

Drive safe.
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This is the text of the FBI Warning found on CDs and DVDs...

"The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000."

Nowhere in there does it mention either 'intent' or 'damage'. Note specifically the words "including infringement without monetary gain".

Note also that this is a CRIMINAL, not a CIVIL act. Yes, the copyright owner can sue. But even if they don't, the FBI can still arrest you, and you can be prosecuted, fined, and trotted off to prison. In fact, anybody who reads this could, if they wanted to, call the FBI and report the original poster for his video.

Be aware of the dangers and the risks you are taking. If you're still comfortable with taking those risks, then that's between you and your conscience.
 
This is a very informative piece on copyright law and infringement.

http://www.ladas.com/NII/CopyrightInfringement.html

I found this especially interesting: ""Contributory infringement" may be found when "one who, with knowledge of the infringing activity, induces, causes or materially contributes to the infringing conduct of another."[43] Contributory infringement is based on a connection to the infringing activity (not necessarily to the direct infringer). A contributory infringer may be liable based on the provision of services or equipment related to the direct infringement."
 
Chapel...aren't you kind of parsing out your ethics because of your trade? A cop may feel the same no exception rule about speeding. Your thought there was about getting caught, not the rule breaking itself. Yet, while you talk of property rights, the cop might talk about endangering lives. But the cop is expected to take all kinds of factors into account and you see your situation as a black and white issue. No exceptions.

Don't get me wrong. I understand and support property rights. When I see what countries like China do to copyrighted and protected material I get angry and I feel for the owner. I reported a funeral home for making a video slide show with music attached to sell to grieving families. $20 for a 20 minute photoshop elements slide show. I warned them first. I volunteered to do these for free, without copyrighted music. They told me to mind my own business. They blew me off. So, yes, I did report them.

So, yes, I get it. In that case, damage was being done. I just think we all have to admit to slipping over the line now and then without criminal intent. I'm sure your intent was to warn, not to condemn, the OP.

I take it in that light.
 
You're right, metro -- my intent was to warn, not condemn.

My point about the speeding was that I'm aware of the potential financial consequences, which are not nearly as dire as the possible consequences of copyright infringement. Being aware of those consequences, I am then able to make an informed decision as to whether or not I want to risk them.

Many people here seem to think that copyright infringement of this type is harmless and hurts no one, therefore there should be no risk. While that may seem logical and sane, it's not true or factual. It's like saying "Wrigley is a billion dollar corporation. It won't hurt them if I steal one lousy pack of gum." While that may be true, what WILL hurt them is when lots and lots of people each steal a pack of gum. When that happens, Wrigley will be forced to take action. The use of copyrighted music and video in works put out on the Internet is a huge problem, growing bigger by the day. Sooner or later, someone is going to have to drop a very big hammer.

But I'd really rather focus on the ethics involved -- again, without condemning. In this business, reputation is extremely important. People who earn a reputation that includes honesty and integrity are going to fare better in the long run than people whose reputation includes corner-cutting and grey areas. This is the reason I encourage the original poster -- and everyone else -- to conduct themselves professionally by following the laws that are a cornerstone of the financial side of this industry. You won't regret it.

Thanks for letting me say my piece. I'm done now.
 
Man JitCam, I was reading this thread, and by the middle of page two when everyone was talking about music back and forth, I thought to myself, "I'm gonna post the words "I like turtles" at the end of this. Then I hit page 3, and all it said was
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lol! beat u to it sorry haha
 
"The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000."
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personaly i think that law is a bit harsh especially for someone making something without any monetary gain, and its because big studios are coorporations with a lot of power so they can have such strict laws enforced. I know its the law and has to be respected, in my opinion however i think such laws should apply to people actually making money from copyright infringments.. that law is actually inhumane, i mean it could destroy someones life. Personally ive used all kinds of music for short films i make, i dont sell or distribute the films i just make them for fun and watch them with friends .. but according to the law what im doing is wrong.. and i think there are a lot of people like me especially on this forum who do the same.. all people who persue the art of filmaking have done this i think..

I think the message that needs to go out here is when you make something with distribution or economic gain in mind then make sure you lawfully use the music and sound.. apart from that if people are scared away from adding music to a short they made or a clip for personal use it's such a creativity killer, but at the end of the day u never know when someone who's trying to save the world is going to report you, so either write ur own music or use royalty free.. hehe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMNry4PE93Y
 
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But the law is to protect the income of the copyright holder. You may not be making a profit, but you could distribute FREE copies of a song or video, and cost the copyright holder a big chunk of money. That's why it doesn't matter if you're profiting or not.

The real message that needs to go out here is that you can't steal someone else's property, no matter what you intend to use it for.
 
I am pretty sure that most all people are aware of this, but like you said, they sit back, understand what they are doing is wrong, and decide, like millions of people all over the world, that it is worth the risk.
 
zergtherobot said:
I am pretty sure that most all people are aware of this, but like you said, they sit back, understand what they are doing is wrong, and decide, like millions of people all over the world, that it is worth the risk.
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As long as they're informed about the possible consequences and making decisions with their eyes wide open, that's fine by me.
 
But the law is to protect the income of the copyright holder. You may not be making a profit, but you could distribute FREE copies of a song or video, and cost the copyright holder a big chunk of money. That's why it doesn't matter if you're profiting or not.
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of course, im not talking about distributing someone elses video or music, that's obviously illegal, im talking mainly about personal use, like making a little video to show friends. Finito la musica :P

however now that i think about it.. the small video u show your friends could make u look cool in their eyes thus you would be enjoying coolness royalties, and that coolness could lead to you making money because it would have a positive impact on your general psychology making you happy thus making you find a really high paying job or something..

my goodness there IS no escape from from copyright laws!!

just joking man :) .. i know its very important to protect oneself and also laws for protecting the artist and copyright holder.. anyways i wish everybody a good day!! .. and remember .. before you think your right.. make sure your copyright!!

:P
 
chapelgrovefilms said:
This is the text of the FBI Warning found on CDs and DVDs...

"The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000."

Nowhere in there does it mention either 'intent' or 'damage'. Note specifically the words "including infringement without monetary gain".

Note also that this is a CRIMINAL, not a CIVIL act. Yes, the copyright owner can sue. But even if they don't, the FBI can still arrest you, and you can be prosecuted, fined, and trotted off to prison. In fact, anybody who reads this could, if they wanted to, call the FBI and report the original poster for his video.

Be aware of the dangers and the risks you are taking. If you're still comfortable with taking those risks, then that's between you and your conscience.
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Did you ever, as a child, make a copy of your friend's cassette tape with your stereo? -(high speed dubbing with the soft eject...sweet!) Did you ever set the vcr to tape an episode of 'Friends' or 'Seinfeld' or 'Monday Night Football'? Did you ever make a photo copy of some pages from an encyclopedia or book when working on a term paper? If you are married, did your wedding video (if you had one done) contain all original music that you composed?
I think you know what I'm getting at.
Before we get start pointing fingers at people, we should probably start off pointing at a mirror.

Good luck.
 
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