Political Video Commentary Rights?

[Grinner Hester]

You have no rights to it. When people don’t sell videos, they just assume nobody will see it. That is true if playing it in your living room only but the piracy happened when you copied it.

[Brian Tetamore]

Your answer makes sense.

So, then how do all these orgs like MoveOn.org, TheNakedEmperor, and on and on get the rights to use the clips of political leaders?

Thanks in advance,

The Visual Rabbi
TheVisualChurch.com
“Crafting Visual Messages to Engage and Persuade”

[David Roth weiss]

Grinner’s answer is actually overly simplistic. The concept of fair use actually does exist and it can apply to political commentary, and furthermore, in the proper instance it could give one the right to use clips from all of the outlets you asked about. However, the fair use doctrine is complicated, the fair use defense can be quite expensive, and before anyone heads down that path he or she should consult with a qualified media savvy attorney. Meanwhile, Google “Michael C. Donaldson on fair use” and read about the latest fair use and clearance related issues for indie filmmakers.

David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los Angeles

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A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, Indie Film & Documentary, and Film History & Appreciations forums.

[Brian Tetamore]

Great info. I’ll get Mr. Donaldson’s book for sure.

Thanks guys,

The Visual Rabbi
TheVisualChurch.com
“Crafting Visual Messages to Engage and Persuade”