i'm doing some editing on a project. I have a wide exterior of a woman entering a JC Penny where the store sign is prominent. Will I have copyright problems using this? If i want to get this on PBS, will there be a problem where it looks like I'm trying to advertise the store? I didnt and the store didn't pay me (heck, they only gave me oral permission to shoot inside if I only shot my subject and nothing else) but i could see how it might look otherwise. I really want to use this establishing shot, but I dont know if I'll have a problem. Thoughts?
is it generally OK to use the exterior of a commercial store with the store name?
- Thread starter oxband
- Start date
I'd blur it. Using trademark or copywrited material is something that a network such as PBS wants to avoid at all costs. Better safe then sorry.
josh-ozirigpro
Active member
You could always cover it up in post if you don't mind getting the tracking right.
R Floyd-Walker
New member
I think that it depends on what type of project it is.
If its a news or documentary based project then just blurring out the sign should be fine. But if this is more of a dramatic piece, then I would consider tracking the sign and then replacing it with a fictional name.
I would get in contact with all the relevant parties to see where you stand first though. You might find that everyones cool about the sign and save yourself some post work. Unlikely, but you never know.
If its a news or documentary based project then just blurring out the sign should be fine. But if this is more of a dramatic piece, then I would consider tracking the sign and then replacing it with a fictional name.
I would get in contact with all the relevant parties to see where you stand first though. You might find that everyones cool about the sign and save yourself some post work. Unlikely, but you never know.