However extreme Japan can be sometimes, I think they have it right when it comes to their copyright law. I think most people in the UK have used dodgey websites to get their music for free, watch films without buying them or found a way to turn demos of games and software into a long term way of keeping it. To be honest I don't know many people who haven't, and I admit that I have downloaded a few sneaky songs when low on funds, but there is no comparison to how much better the quality is when you buy these things properly. To stop illegal downloading Japan has put in place a rather dramatic law where you get thrown in jail if caught. For more on their law look at this article http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2012-10/02/japan-strict-copyright-law I think that this however is a really good initiative to help support creatives and hopefully allow people to see the importance of the media and entertainment industry, and these people need to be paid like any other person. I think what is even better is the 70% increase in music sales since this law in Japan, which I think just goes to show.
What I think is good about this subject matter is that in the USA the box-office sales for cinema viewings of the latest releases have not dropped since torrent websites have been in use. Even when pirated versions come out people still choose to pay money towards seeing the latest blockbuster up on the big screen. This article goes into this a bit further http://www.geekosystem.com/bittorrent-box-office-study/
As I am looking to work in the animation company, I am fundamentally looking to freelance and submit my work into animation and film festivals (which are becoming more and more popular each year) and earn money through that. But I will be posting my work online to view for free also. One issue I do think I may have is if I go into printed format, as people may steal my images and print them off themselves rather than buying a copy from my shop. One way I could solve this is to water mark my images, but I feel that this shows a lack of trust and can often put people off your work.
Hello Sacha,
ReplyDeleteI totally understand your point of view on copyright issues - unfortunately some people will do anything to get their hands on something for free.
Unfortunately, I had a case on my last year at LCA when a student in my year plagiarised my photography... basically taking it from my Flickr account, cropping it, then putting their watermark on it. I happened to stumble across what she did when I was browsing fellow students websites (I was having a bit of a nosey, and it was lucky I did).
Of course I was upset (but in some ways flattered as it wasn't my best photography!), but I decided to deal with the matter professionally - so I contacted my lecturers and they told me they would deal with the matter... Well, LCA say plagiarism and copying is NOT tolerated at all (apparently) but she came out unscathed... Not even a slap on the wrist, she didn't even apologise to me too... and the funny thing is that she's now working towards being a 'Professional Wedding Photographer' *face palm*.
I can't be bitter about it, but it did grate my skin at the time that people like that could get away with it... It makes it as if plagiarism is okay. The lecturers really did let me down that time! Any person will feel hurt when someone steals something they worked hard for. My advice is: keep churning out fantastic work (you'll be recognised for it) and don't be afraid to confront those who steal your ideas/work. No one else has rights to what you create!
Apologies for my long reply! Kind of unleashed a passionate spark there *shuffle*
~Bevolee