It puts the lotion on its skin....
 

Heya All,

Whats the deal with using a frase or 2 from other movies, maybe in a comical sense or just for a throw back...


Are certain lines that are not taglines from movies copywrited in any way?

If done in good humour would anybody care?

kermie

It probably depends on the context and extent of use. If the usage is very brief and clearly a comical allusion you're probably ok. Failing that, you might get nailed with a plagiarism suit, particularly if your work is widely distributed and/or viewed. It's best to be careful and perhaps run clips past informal (and uninvolved) parties (like a focus group) before committing yourself.

Kermie,
I covered this in the post about "okay to use the plot?". But if I understand you correctly, then you don't have any problems. How many movies now use the phrase "May the force be with you?" as a reference to the film Star Wars in popular culture? Or "This could be the start of a beautiful friendship." from Casa Blanca. (I think that' s the line)

Like I said, it's okay to reference art in popular culture. But you can't USE the art. Especially if it is likely to be seen as plaigerism, or take away the monetary value of the original work.

If your character says, "Ill be back" in a Schwartznegger tone... as he heads off to the grocery store to buy diapers... I think you are probably okay.

But as I said in an earlier post, if it helps you to sleep at night. Talk to a lawyer.