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Topic: Notice on the head of the film

Jeff Joseph
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 131
From: Palmdale, CA, USA
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 04-13-2003 09:15 PM

I recently saw a preview of "A Mighty Wind" (a Warner Bros Film) and on the head, just before the logo, was a warning not to videotape the film, as that is copyright infringement. Is this something going on the head of all new films? Just this film? Just previews? Has anyone else seen any other instance of this?

Jeff

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Jonathan M. Crist
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 531
From: Hershey, PA, USA
Registered: Apr 2000

posted 04-13-2003 09:47 PM

Warner Bros sent an email around about 2 weeks ago saying that this warning tag (not to videotape) must be added and shown at each advance screening (including exhibitor screenings) of all Warner Bros movies from now on.

The new WB master license agreement also now has an extended section on the exhibitor's obligations with regard to security.

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Steve Kraus
Film God

Posts: 4094
From: Chicago, IL, USA
Registered: May 2000

posted 04-13-2003 09:58 PM

I screened it the week before last and there was no tag. But Castle Rock had the print sent direct from the lab. It's not a bad idea--get fellow audience members to turn a taper in.

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John Pytlak
Film God

Posts: 9987
From: Rochester, NY 14650-1922
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 04-14-2003 06:12 AM

I agree that it's a good idea to remind the audience that copying a movie is illegal, and anyone attempting to do it should be reported. Even if only "small fish" are caught, it should make it harder for pirates.

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Brad Haven
Master Film Handler

Posts: 300
From: fremantle, West Australia
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 04-14-2003 07:36 AM

Could it not also put the idea into their head?
After seeing the tag they might think "now thats a good idea!"

I do think its a good idea though, it might give people second thoughts...but as i said it might also give someone the idea.

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Michael Schaffer
"Where is the
Boardwalk Hotel?"

Posts: 4143
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Apr 2002

posted 04-14-2003 08:52 AM

I dont`think so, Brad. Everyone who would be interested in pirating a movie to publish it on the internet has to have some technical knowledge already to have the idea.
A sign in a shop which says that shoplifters will be prosecuted doesn`t make thiefs either.

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Jesse Skeen
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1517
From: Sacramento, CA
Registered: Aug 2000

posted 04-14-2003 01:49 PM

Ever see the Video Pirates segment in "Amazon Women on the Moon"?
"Oooh, I'm sooooo SCARED!!" [Razz]

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Frank Angel
Film God

Posts: 5305
From: Brooklyn NY USA
Registered: Dec 1999

posted 04-14-2003 09:39 PM

Given the excellent P.R. work Mr. Valenti has been doing for the last millenium (what is he now, 120 yrs old?), and getting paid handsomely for, I doubt that there is ANYONE left on the planet who doesn't know that it is illegal to video tape movies in movie theatres.

Put the damn notice on a 1-sheet at the door of the theatres and print it on the backs of the tickets if they must, but stop trying to mess up my presentation. Can you imagine crappy shlock like that playing in front of WB's MY FAIR LADY on opening night? Give me a break. Does EVERYTHING have to get reduced to the crass and venal? Imagine the Museum of Modern Art putting a legal statement next to every painting and sculpure, advising that it is illegal to deface them? Do we HAVE to be constantly reminded that the world is full of cads and thieves? They already know who they are and what they are doing.

Frank

PS -- I haven't gotten a revised Master Contract yet from WB. When did this happen? If they do get around to the art houses with a revised MC and I am required to play the tag, I will play it at the end of my attraction reel, NOT in front of the opening of the main feature.

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John Schulien
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 206
From: Chicago, IL, USA
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 04-15-2003 11:10 AM

I have to agree with Frank.

Your audience comes in, sits down, relaxes to the music, waiting for the movie to start. The lights go down, their attention focuses on the screen. They taste the anticipation ...

And then, in a master-stroke of showmanship, they are admonished not to be criminals, even though odds are that no one in the theatre has a video camera, and even if they did, they would probably just use the snipe to properly frame their camera, so their tape would be complete, including the studio logo.

Nothing like insulting your audience to suck the atmosphere right out of the room.

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David Stambaugh
Film God

Posts: 4021
From: Eugene, Oregon
Registered: Jan 2002

posted 04-15-2003 12:14 PM

I agree with Frank & John S. It's ludicrous to hint that you consider your customers/audience as potential criminals. It's bad enough on home videos, and inexcusible in a theatre. ACK!

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