Parodies

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

A question about parodies. I know much of this falls around fair use and its a fine line that you have to be careful not to cross, I get that.

What I'm curious about is using fair use to make money via parody shows on YouTube. For example, an animated show called "How it should have ended" makes great use of parodies. They mock movies by putting their own spin on the way they think they should have ended. Very funny stuff.

My question is this.... they use the likenesses and trademarks of some pretty popular movies. Everything from comic book movies to the likes of Harry Potter.
They don't shy away from logos, they just use animated ones that they have created.

I'm guessing that as long as they don't use actual music or images from said movies, they're safe to profit from it. Is that it?

 

[David W. Richardson]

I doubt it. But I'm not a copyright/trademark lawyer. I wouldn't rely on legal advice from a forum like this, personally.

 

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Not looking for legal advice, just opinion. More of a curiosity.
These parodies make money, that much is obvious. Someone out there is bound to know more about it than I.

 

[David W. Richardson]

Probably so, but if you want to do similar stuff to make money, you're taking a risk if you don't consult a qualified attorney and protect yourself.

 

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Probably so, but if you want to do similar stuff to make money, you're taking a risk if you don't consult a qualified attorney and protect yourself.

David, if I need a lawyers advice, I'll go through proper channels. Right now I'm just curious about what people (filmmakers) think. And I'm not going to pay a lawyer for that.

If I was going to make a parody myself, a lawyer would be warranted. So, do you guys have any idea what you can and can't do? Out of curiosities sake. I promise, I won't run out and make a parody and then run back here blaming everyone after getting sued.

I'm just amazed what people seem to get away with. Of course, I've always been baffled by how Family Guy gets away with it.

 

[David W. Richardson]

Wasn't trying to ruffle any feathers. I misunderstood your goal, I suppose. Sorry.

I'm amazed what people get away with too. Though I'm pretty sure Family Guy pays for any rights they need.