I’m currently a film student and I’ve an idea for a GB fan film, but I was curious to know if anyone knows the official Columbia Pictures (or whoever now owns them and the GB property now, I can’t recall atm) stance on the production and distribution of fan films.
I ask this because I know that there are some studios that encourage fan films and allow for free use of logos, imagery, music, etc, usually as long as there are no revenue generated by said production, but I’ve heard that some studios that get pissed with unauthorised usage of property (even non-commercial productions).
If I do end up making this as part of a school project I’ll probably have to get some authorization in writing, but that depends on how far I go with using their copyrighted logos and imagery (I’ve got an idea for a new costume and logo, but I’m fairly certain the imagery of a Proton Pack itself might be copyrighted) and possibly music. I could possibly circumvent this with an official release concerning such things.
I have to be careful with things like this at my uni, because I could get severely punished if not done right (it comes under plagerism etc). This is not because they are assholes (… no comment) but because they are drilling it into us that these will need to happen in the real world. Even if I don’t make it at uni, I’ll probably want to cover my ass anyway.
If you do not make any sort of profit as far as I am aware (Ron may correct me) the worst that can happen initially is you can get a cease and desist order. If you do not comply things get worse.
Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t planning on profiting from it (I know THAT much), besides for the time and money I’m going to have to spend just making the costume I’m already chalking it up to a financial black hole… but it’ll be worth it
I’m probably going to contact them if I start anyway, because I am striving to be a professional and that’s the appropriate thing to do. I was mostly curious if there was an official stance (I know Lucas actively encourages fan films, but you never know).
I’m used to sinking a ton of my own money into a movie project, I just wish I could find a way to profit from my previous efforts
Fan films walk a fine line. Mostly because you are playing in someone else’s backyard, so to speak. Speaking as fan film director (Knoxville Ghostbusters: the Series) as long as you don’t make a profit from it and try to make it original as you can you should be all right. As far as a school project, Ghostbusters of LA was a student project http://www.fanfilms.net/index.php?cid=19&fid=346 But I would talk to your instructors and see if it’s all right to use the straight up GB image and Equipment. You might want to tweak the designs a little like maybe wear a navy or orange flight suit, make a custom logo and modify the equipment enough to avoid copyright. Most of the GB fan films exist as low budget, non profit productions meant for viewing on the internet, but as long as you or your school won’t be selling copies of your project and it’s only to be viewed as a student work(like in front of the class) you should be fine.
I haven’t started my next semester yet. but it won’t be made until maybe even next year depending on project criteria and the role I get chosen for. Alternately I’ll make on my own time/budget with use of the Uni equipment (kinda like the guys in the beginning of the GB1), it depends entirely on what the year shapes up to be. Besides I need to get the equipment made, and I’ve still yet to write up my script. I don’t know how long it’ll be, but I’m aiming for 15-20 minutes.
I’ll be changing the equipment as part of a plot device, but I think I’m more concerned with copyright in regards to names (like Ghostbusters, Proton Pack/Accelerator, etc) rather then imagery at this time, but i would like to use the original costumes/props to bring familiarity into the film before I change stuff around.
When I start doing some more detailed write ups and some sketches I’ll be sure to post them here (or on my never updated blog).
Exactly. From what I understand, Hank Braxtan sent a copy of Return of the Ghostbusters to Dan Aykroyd and received a c&D from Dan’s lawyers. Contacting Sony is a bad idea. I understand not wanting to get sued or anything but sometimes the more under the radar you are the better.
There are lots of fan films made about Ghostbusters and none of them got into trouble with Sony.
Return of the Ghostbusters never got permission from Sony to make it but some sources actually said that they like the fan film and there was a reference to the fan film in the game.
I know you want to do it differently for your fan film and actually try to get permission from Sony to do it.
I say don’t bother. If Sony do not give you permission, than what? And if they do, you probably have to wait forever to get it.
Over the last several months I’ve dealt with Sony alot and will for some time to come with the promotional Stay-Puft balloon we have on loan from them. It’s hard to convey how nervous I was contacting Sony the first time but I knew that if they wanted to, they already would have shut us down, and that we’ve never made any money for ourselves from this. Now they definitely know we exist and as you can see we’re still active and around. I’m sure it’s ultimately because of the charity work we do and we’re really just free advertisement for the license.
They know we all exist and they’re not the evil giant corporation you may think they are. It’s when profit is made or it appears it could be made that a C & D is going to come down. If it was your property you’d do the same. Just think about what you’re doing before you do it. The “it’s better to beg for forgiveness than ask permission” philosophy can’t always work.
It’s more that I’d have to seek permission if I was to produce this project for Uni, but just reading these posts has helped sort out the concerns in my head, thanks
Yeah I don’t blame them for that, I don’t want my copyrights and trademarks infringed on anything I ever do so I at least make sure I had the notices (not that I think they’ll do a lick of difference if someone does try to steal them). I suppose these things do come more to light when you’ve spent a semester having it drummed into you by your lecturers.
Wow those are just bad. It’s interesting that Lucas actively encourages Star Wars fan film production, but when a drama student wished to perform a play for his final project based on The Secret of Monkey Island, he apparently had no end of legalese to go through (including a statement that he’d never release his script or perform the piece again). I suppose it’s because they can sell tickets to a play, but the monies received in those things are never that much (the profit usually is eaten up by props, costumes, sets, etc .. )
And they did send out DVDs to Sony, and from what I understand 3 out of the 4 OGBs. :whatever: :sigh:
But for the most part, don’t worry. As long as you’re not selling it, or charging to have it burned on DVDs (even if it’s just to cover the costs and “technically” not profitiing, that’s a no-no) then you have nothing to worry about. Most of the big studios have learned from the Star Wars fan films that if anything, you’re promoting their licensed property* for free* and won’t hassel you.
:sigh: