Boy Scout uniform in a movie?

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pirate40

Well-known member
I have a group of boy scouts wanting to be extras in a parade scene in our low budget independent family comedy. Would there be any kind of copyright problems with them being in their uniforms? Thanks for any information on this subject.
 
I used Weblo (sp?) uniforms in a short, and had no problems....but its a short and no one will see it. Also will you be showing any CU's of the scouts where you could read or see the logo? If it's just background action I woud imagine you could get away with the uniforms, but have them carry a banner or flag you make. Call them the nature scouts or some such....

Of course it's a good idea to consult an entertainment lawyer on anything like this. Especially if you will be selling the movie through netflix/itunes/dvd.
 
Perhaps some copyright issues as far as showing various badges on uniforms, but also some trademark issues.

From the Scouts website:

Q: If a council wants to run an advertisement for its distinguished citizen dinner on the local cable channel will the cable network need to obtain a license to air the ad?
A: The company using the marks in advertising (not the media outlet used) must have it approved prior to using. This applies to all advertising and marketing, not just TV.


Q: When a local council or OA lodge wants to produce "Where to go Camping" CDs, would the volunteer doing the development or reproduction need a license?
A: The supplier producing the video is required to have a license.
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So I would think you need to get permission. As they write here:

In effect, just about any mark that reasonably relates to BSA or its program is protected. Accordingly, anyone seeking to use any marks, words, or phrases, which may reasonably be related to the BSA and its programs should contact the BSA Legal Department at 972-580-2000 to obtain permission in advance for such use.
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Sunk99 said:
I have no clue, but they do have a website that addresses questions about such. Maybe write them and ask?

http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/Licensing/Protecting the Brand.aspx
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Yes, definitely ask. The scout people may take offense at something in the film (even though it's a 'family comedy') and be very upset by their unwanted association with the film. Lawyers (and more importantly, legal fees) may result, in turn hurting your ability to market the film.

Much better to ask, honestly describe the script and the most potentially controversial bits in the film (you may think the marijuana scene is hilarious family fun, they probably won't) - I'd suggest showing them the script pages for all the scenes where the scouts will appear. Better to be safe than sorry.

Frankly, it might be safer to invent a fake scouting organisation with its own differently colored uniform (some cheap shirts with fake badges woudn't be that hard or expensive)
 
pirate40 said:
Thank you everyone. No scout uniforms,that's settled.
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Of course, nothing would stop you from putting together your own "uniform". Like having all the kids wear the same color shorts and t-shirts, perhaps with an image/logo you've designed on them. (Maybe a local business would sponsor shirts if you work their uniforms on them, giving you a little $$ - go product placement!)

Just avoid any scout colors or emblems and you should be fine.
 
Clearances are a big issue. I listened to some producers talking about clearances that were still being acquired during filming on a project here in Vancouver. They got some good trademarked items but were having problems with others. It calls for rewrites during the shoot.
 
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