Protecting your film

[Foster Kane]

Had a conversation witha film student who told me to avoid putting film on youtube because your content won't be protected. That Vimeo offers better protection.

Honestly, I have no idea what this guy means by protection. From what I understand you have to copyright your film. But if your putting it on youtube, is it worth it? Does saying on the film "Property of So and So" or "Copyright 2010 So and So" enough?

 

[Dick Campbell]

Nothing is protected. Anyone can steal or use your IP anytime they want. Your only recourse is through the courts. Sad isn't it?

Any work is copyrighted automatically by being created. To claim redress (sue) for copyright infringement, you have to have officially registered/filed with the govt.

 

[Bus No. 8]

If you pay for the "Pro" version of Vimeo, you can add protections such making the film password protected, only allowing it to be viewed on Vimeo, or other websites of your choice. You can also disable anyone from being able to download the file. It's definitely worth paying for.

 

[Ralph D]

You don't need the "Plus" version for password protection and to disable downloading. Those features are available with a "Basic" (free) account.

 

[Bus No. 8]

Oh, you're right. The "Plus" (not Pro, I just noticed) subscription does allow you to choose which websites the film can appear on. So if you want to embed it on your own website, and share it on Facebook, you can specify those sites, but it won't play on any others.