COPYRIGHT F.A.Q.
WHAT IS COPYRIGHT?
Copyright is a set of rights that creators of original works get when they make a work. These allow them to decide how their work is used while they are alive and for a period after their death. Copyright protects the expression of an idea and it is automatic. So if you create something, you own the rights to it.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?
If you want to use other people’s creative works in your film then you need their permission in writing. This includes artwork, music, poetry, writing and other creative works. It also includes performances by actors and musicians.
If they have passed on, the copyright remains with their estate for 50 - 70 years (this varies by country). There can also be multiple copyright owners in a work so a song may have a writer and performers who all need to give permission.
HOW CAN I AVOID ISSUES?
It’s really easy - make it all yourself, or get permission from the people who made it. Get release forms from everyone who appears in your film and all the locations. Use music you or your friends have made or from sites where you can buy a license to use it.
WHAT IS PUBLIC DOMAIN FOOTAGE IN REGARDS TO AUDIO AND VISUAL RECORDINGS?
The public domain is a range of abstract materials commonly referred to as intellectual property which are not owned or controlled by anyone. The term indicates that these materials are "public property" and available for anyone to use for any purpose.
This includes works that are out of copyright and works that people have explicitly placed in the public domain, giving permission for their creations to be used.
WHAT IS CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSING?
Creative Commons licences make it easy for people to share their copyright works using conditions they specify. This means that there is a lot of creative material online with Creative Commons licenses that you may be able to use. There is more information about the licenses and links to sites of images, sound and music on the Creative Commons website. Make sure you read about the licenses and check that you’re using work with the right kind of licenses as the kind of use allowed varies.