I need some suggestions.

We are creating some greenscreen background plates out of a bunch of images off of Flickr. These images are labeled with the following terms:

(quote)

You are free:
* to Share — to copy, distribute and transmit the work
* to Remix — to adapt the work
Under the following conditions:
* Attribution — You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work).

(end quote)

If the photographer doesn't mention how he would like to be credited, nor responds to emails, what can you do? This is for a TV show with credits at the end.

I wouldn't feel bad just listing the person's in the credits, but when his screen name is just "The Crazy Cowboy" or "NikoNiko," something tells me that Mr. Judge wouldn't like that very much if for whatever reason it went to court.

"Farm pictures by Zulo the Magic Bear" just doesn't seem like a very legal credit.

Any suggestions?

Here's a snapshot from After Effects of what we're doing: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5250174272_0e889ca9e7_b.jpg

This is for a kids show, hence the half real / half fake look.

There are at least 10 different images from different Flickr users all posting the pictures with the same CC permissions.

The important thing for a credit is the same as a reference/bibliography when writing a paper. The question is:

"Can they find the source given the imformation provided?"

So, if you write someone and they don't respond otherwise, it is entirely appropriate to say "Photo courtesy JJPoppincorn (Flickr)" or "Photo courtesy http://flickr.com/photos/JJPoppincorn" or "Remix by DJ Fatty Lumpkin".

I have in the past listed had requests to credit like this "Photo by John Smith, JJpoppincorn (flickr)" since their real name won't really help you find them. In many cases of Internet collaboration, the internet handle is even more important than their real name. The Internet handle is their BRAND.

You absolutely must credit your sources. They worked to create the material and it is the least you can do to thank them.

Good luck.

I'd start with reading and understanding Creative Commons licensing by visiting the Creative Commons (http://creativecommons.org/) website. You'll probably end up doing what Christian said.

Hi Lloyd,
Why not use a stock photo service and pay them a small amount. I'm considering doing this and (subject to further checking) should be able to use the images in any way I see fit.
Regards,
Doug.