Just a quick blog post here, inviting you to take a pair of online workshops that I’m teaching this week and next. Spots are limited and registration is a modest expense (given to a non-profit organization) that can save you lots more in your career as a filmmaker. Docs In Progress, based in Washington, D.C. but online virtually everywhere now, is also a great community to network with other documentary filmmakers, and to share your work via in-progress screenings, and fellowship programs, besides these educational opportunities.
Copyright Basics and Fair Use is the first of these two workshops on copyright and licensing that you can take together, or separately. In this first class on Thursday, April 14 at 7-9pm ET, we explore the history of intellectual property and specifically copyright law, as a starting point to understand license terms, the public domain, and fair use. When do you need to get permission, and pay licensing fees? Are there exceptions to copyright protection? Learn when text, image and sound can be used free of charge in your documentary film, and when it can’t. This workshop will explain the factors and prepare you for a potential claim.
You’ve found a song, a photograph, or video footage that you want to use in your film. What’s next? In this virtual workshop Licensing of Music, Images and Footage on Thursday, April 21 at 7-9pm ET, learn about the laws and practices for securing media rights in your film. You’ll see the entire licensing process including actual contracts up-close, and consider the alternatives to work with a composer or find alternate footage. Learn how to negotiate hard for your vision, while hearing case studies of successes and failures.
Attendees at both of these online Zoom workshops will receive a valuable resources document, linking to free carefully curated recommendations for further research, consultations, stock footage, and more.
As an informal resource for independent filmmakers, these workshops are not a substitute for direct legal counsel. For legal advice specific to your needs, you’re of course encouraged to seek advice from your own attorney.
Please register today at the links/images above to ensure your spot, and I hope to see you there.
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