"flash" clips of broadcast/cable shows at DVinfo.net

Mike Cavanaugh · May 2nd, 2005, 08:21 AM

Haven't seen this before so I thought I'd ask an opinion. I wanted to open a video with a bit of simulated "channel surfing" before the viewer settles on the actual show. I took short segments of cable shows (QVC, horse racing, infomercials, Discovery etc.) and strung 6 or 7 of them together in a series of <1 sec (usually about 20 frames) clips seperated by a bit of static to simulate someone flipping through channels with the remote control. I tried to avoid channel logos, show title shots etc. Unless you are really looking hard, I think it would be difficult to identify any given show.

Question - anyone see potential for copyright infringement?

BTW - this is academic, the producer didn't like the idea for other reasons, but I think it is still viable technique I may use some other time.

Mike Cavanaugh · May 4th, 2005, 08:45 AM

I'm assuming the lack of response indicates that most people did not see a problem. I reviewed the "Fair Use" article posted in the sticky above, and I think this use would fall under the deminimus category - meaning the sample I borrowed is to small and does not steal the essence of someone elses creative work.

Dennis Vogel · May 8th, 2005, 09:07 PM

I think that's a big assumption. The standard reply to most questions involving using other people's material is don't.

Fair Use is a tricky thing from the articles I have read. It is a defense against copyright infringement that you use if or when you get sued. A judge will decide if it is or isn't. It isn't a right you can claim when you make a video to ward off suits. At least that's my understanding of some of Paul Tauger's articles. Perhaps Paul or someone else will correct me if I'm wrong.

Good luck.

Dennis

May 2nd, 2005, 08:21 AM	#1
Mike Cavanaugh Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Albany NY Posts: 311	"flash" clips of broadcast/cable shows Haven't seen this before so I thought I'd ask an opinion. I wanted to open a video with a bit of simulated "channel surfing" before the viewer settles on the actual show. I took short segments of cable shows (QVC, horse racing, infomercials, Discovery etc.) and strung 6 or 7 of them together in a series of <1 sec (usually about 20 frames) clips seperated by a bit of static to simulate someone flipping through channels with the remote control. I tried to avoid channel logos, show title shots etc. Unless you are really looking hard, I think it would be difficult to identify any given show. Question - anyone see potential for copyright infringement? BTW - this is academic, the producer didn't like the idea for other reasons, but I think it is still viable technique I may use some other time.

May 4th, 2005, 08:45 AM	#2
Mike Cavanaugh Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Albany NY Posts: 311	I'm assuming the lack of response indicates that most people did not see a problem. I reviewed the "Fair Use" article posted in the sticky above, and I think this use would fall under the deminimus category - meaning the sample I borrowed is to small and does not steal the essence of someone elses creative work.

May 8th, 2005, 09:07 PM	#3
Dennis Vogel Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hillsborough, NC Posts: 409	I think that's a big assumption. The standard reply to most questions involving using other people's material is don't. Fair Use is a tricky thing from the articles I have read. It is a defense against copyright infringement that you use if or when you get sued. A judge will decide if it is or isn't. It isn't a right you can claim when you make a video to ward off suits. At least that's my understanding of some of Paul Tauger's articles. Perhaps Paul or someone else will correct me if I'm wrong. Good luck. Dennis