OK to talk about plot? at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > And Now, For Something Completely Different... > Taking Care of Business

Taking Care of Business
The pen and paper aspects of DV -- put it in writing!

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old December 13th, 2002, 11:00 AM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: New York City, NY
Posts: 316
OK to talk about plot?

Alright, folks. Here's the deal. I'm working on an independent feature to be filmed this summer (2003). It is a comedy that was inspired by a famous opera. Now, the opera itself is NOT public domain, therefore I can't use the music from it. My question is: can I TALK about the plot of this opera in the dialogue of the movie?

Basically, some characters in the movie are told of the events in this opera, and based on those events, they plan out what to do. Is this against the law in any way? I don't think so, but I just want to make sure, because if it's illegal I need to make some drastic changes to the screenplay.

Thank you all in advance!

Jaime Valles
Jaime Valles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old December 13th, 2002, 03:41 PM   #2
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: San Mateo, CA
Posts: 3,840
If I understand you correctly, The characters in YOUR movie, reference the plotline of an opera in their dialogue. This would be like having two characters in your movie say...

"Look we can kill him this way, I saw it in Hitchcocks film... it works like this...."


In my view, you got no problems.

"I am not a lawyer, nor am I offering you legal advice."
Standard disclaimer.

Basically, it's okay to refer to other works of art. You just can't USE other works of art. Even then, there is a certain ammount of wiggle room under the "fair use" clause, and the "Parody" defense. Neither of which apply to your case.

Rule of thumb: Is using this other work going to take money of the creator's pocket? If so... they will sue.

But hey, if it will help you sleep better, go see a copyright attorney for an opinion. Always keep in mind that a good lawyer will NEVER tell you "You can't be sued." They will tell you what your RISK of being sued is.
Richard Alvarez is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 12th, 2003, 05:53 PM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: New York City, NY
Posts: 316
<<<-- Originally posted by BillAngstrom : This would be like having two characters in your movie say...

"Look we can kill him this way, I saw it in Hitchcocks film... it works like this...."

In my view, you got no problems.-->>>



That's what I thought. Thanks for the reply.

Actually, I've been doing some re-writes to the screenplay and ended up ditching the opera idea entirely. I'll keep you all posted on the progress of the movie. Thanks for your help!
Jaime Valles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old January 13th, 2003, 08:25 AM   #4
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: New York
Posts: 329
POSSIBILITIES

Jaime,

Noticed your from NYC. If you need another lense, let me know. Here is what I have, FYI.

1-Canon XL1S
1-Sennheiser ME-66/K6
2-Sony Lavs
1-Bogen Tripod
1-Bogen Dolly (3" Casters)
Etc...

Feel free to contact me via email with any questions or just to touch base.

Cheers!

Derrick
Derrick Begin is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > And Now, For Something Completely Different... > Taking Care of Business

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:22 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network