Sonntag, 16. Januar 2011

It's freedocumentaries.org time!

We Germans tend to say in a proverb: "America has it better!", at least the USA do have the DMCA law, the Digital Millenium Copyright Act -- which enables operation of websites like freedocumentaries.org -- where you can watch high-profile docs for free like Bowling for Columbine, Manufacturing Consent, Outfoxed, Sicko, Supersize Me, The Fog of War, The Corporation, The Origins of AIDS, Why we Fight, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, The Road to Guantanamo, Enron and Prescription for Disaster - to name a few.

That is something we Germans would not dare to do, because we don't have the equivalent of the DMCA while we do have a totally different concept of copyright law descendence, presence and execution.

In their FAQ list those nameless individuals running freedocumentaries.org state:

"Do producers give you permission to show their films? --

We follow all copyright laws. We deal with streaming partners who handle all copyright issues. By imbedding films we can not legally be liable for any copyright infringement as stated by the DMCA. If you feel that your film is online without your permission, we will forward you to our streaming partners. When they agree that a copyright infringement has taken place, your film will be removed from our site."

and

"Can I get you to post a film? --

We are always open to film suggestions and recommendations. If you want to increase the chances that we watch and post the film, then you can post the film on Google Video and send us the link. In doing so, it's between you, Google and the film producers to ensure that no copyright infringement has taken place."

***

So so: hiding behind Google Video, hiding behind the behemoths.

Legally for them it's between "you, Google and the film producers". As long no one complains or demands removal from a third party streaming service (while avoiding limitations of Youtube's 10 min. max.) anything looks ok. If they have to put down one title in their listing, two new docs might pop-up afterwards. Is this really an incentive for producers to sell DVDs? How does the promised bright future of streaming services for money look like to producers while such websites are offering the best for free?

They suggest to users to donate 100 US$ one time or 10 US$ monthly to support them, but they pretend that they don't run this website -- basicly a curated listing -- for money.

My question would be:

How do indy film makers and indy doc producers feel about this?


JP

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