It puts the lotion on its skin.... at DVinfo.net

Zac Stein · December 18th, 2002, 09:13 PM

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

Ken Tanaka · December 18th, 2002, 11:40 PM

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.

Richard Alvarez · December 19th, 2002, 08:10 AM

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.

December 18th, 2002, 09:13 PM	#1
Zac Stein Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 730	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

December 18th, 2002, 11:40 PM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	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. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

December 19th, 2002, 08:10 AM	#3
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	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.