content clearance?

N

NIGE

Hello
I am hoping someone can help me with this because its driving me crazy! early next year we are hoping to start filming our first film. it is a twisted horror loosely based on "Alice in wonderland" will i need any clearance for this? all of the charictors in the film resemble charictors out of Alice in wonderland in there own unique way but we are not using names. the general twisted look of the charictors should give that one away.

the script we have is as twisted as barbwire and as fresh as spring water. it would be a shame not to be able to make it. but that said, we don't want to get in to any shit either for breach of copyright.

does anyone have any thoughts on this? :rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
It could potentially come under fair use as being a parody (is it a parody??) if you think of a film like that Twilight parody film where all the characters looked like the actual actors, or Scream, where in the upcoming one it appears there is a Leonardo Dicaprio Inception spoof scene.

If you plan on creating something that will have even a small level of exposure and you potentially see yourself making money off of it I would recommend talking to an entertainment attorney
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
NIGE said:
Hello
I am hoping someone can help me with this because its driving me crazy! early next year we are hoping to start filming our first film. it is a twisted horror loosely based on "Alice in wonderland" will i need any clearance for this? all of the charictors in the film resemble charictors out of Alice in wonderland in there own unique way but we are not using names. the general twisted look of the charictors should give that one away.

the script we have is as twisted as barbwire and as fresh as spring water. it would be a shame not to be able to make it. but that said, we don't want to get in to any shit either for breach of copyright.

does anyone have any thoughts on this? :rolleyes::rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Alice In Wonderland (the actual story) is long in the public domain.

You only need worry if your characters/costume/set-design is similar to other more recent film/tv/media adaptations.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Thanks mate. sounds like sound advice. i'm not sure if expenses would front an entertainment lawyer. though :huh:

we are/was going to take it to the film festivals but it might be wise to take out all the aspects of alice in wonderland. we just need to change a few things. it will work out, i'll make it work;) and it will still be twisted.

Thanks mate;)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Zensteve said:
Alice In Wonderland (the actual story) is long in the public domain.

You only need worry if your characters/costume/set-design is similar to other more recent film/tv/media adaptations.
Click to expand...

trust me mate. our characters/costume/set-design is far from like those of recent years ( my wife thinks i should be sectioned:)) it is a twisted parody on alice in wonderland. i just don't want to take it film festivals and then be turned away because of copyright issues.

we have already cleared certain things that are in the film (eg) blackberry phones/ play station/ ford cars etc have given us the clearance to feature those products in our film (as long as its not porn:lol:)

leave it as or re-write? that is the question. we like ya fb page too;)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
"Alice in wonderland" will i need any clearance for this?
Click to expand...

The simple answer is yes and no, but it depends on what your goals are. While Alice in Wonderland isn't protected by copyright, you may step upon toes unwittingly. If your entire goal is to make a short film and enter it into some film festivals, clearance is probably an expense you're not going need since you're unlikely to require E&O Insurance. If you're looking at getting any distribution deal, then yes, you'll need clearances to get the insurance.

At a dead minimum, get your clearances from your cast, crew and locations. These shouldn't cost you anything, otherwise you'll be chasing your own tails (and may be held over a barrel) if you need it later.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Sweetie said:
The simple answer is yes and no, but it depends on what your goals are. While Alice in Wonderland isn't protected by copyright, you may step upon toes unwittingly. If your entire goal is to make a short film and enter it into some film festivals, clearance is probably an expense you're not going need since you're unlikely to require E&O Insurance. If you're looking at getting any distribution deal, then yes, you'll need clearances to get the insurance.

At a dead minimum, get your clearances from your cast, crew and locations. These shouldn't cost you anything, otherwise you'll be chasing your own tails (and may be held over a barrel) if you need it later.
Click to expand...

Hello. yeah we have done the content clearance thing with the people that own the locations and certain products within the film. its the issue with the aspect of using "Alice in wonderland" i am writing out the stuff to do with Alice and chopping and changing.. it will still work out..

thank you for all the information... :yes:
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top