Question by Rufi: What are the code of ethics for using movie clips or clips from other documentaries in a documentary?
I want to use some movie clips and other clips from some documentaries by mentioning the complete credit about where the clips were taken form. What is the proper procedure to acquire such clips. Is it considered piracy using the clips from a movie even by mentioning the full credits of production company, producer/director?
Best answer:
Answer by Mujer Alta
Using the intellectual property of others is more than an ethical question. It’s a very legal question. You’ll find the answers in the International Copyright Treaty. The “Fair Use Policy” allows use of short clips (both visual and audio) only. There is also a prohibition against use in public displays or showings. You have to contact the copyright holder and ask permission. Depending on the length of the clip and what it’ll be used for, you may have to pay a royalty (like rent) for using it. And, even if you pay royalties, you’ll have to give credit to the copyright holders of anything you use. There’s a special exemption for school projects but, if you’re planning on using a long clip, you should get the permissions you need first.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/
http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
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