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Copyright/Fair Use Question

Discussion in 'Questions and Answers' started by GridIronKing34, Jul 23, 2010.

  1. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    This fall I am interested in doing a documentary about fantasy football and it's uproar/impact on today's society. I would like to use small clips of top players (not the primary point of interest of said documentary) from NFL footage. However while I believe this is fair use because:

    A) I am not using the footage as it was originally valued and am transforming it.

    B) The footage is not the primary point of interest/topic.

    Does anyone know if I am on the right track here? I do realize that the NFL is very stingy with copyright material so of course I have to attribute them. I just don't think that dealing with the NFL will be easy because they will have no sympathy for my school documentary project.
     
  2. unluckyluciano

    unluckyluciano For My Hero JetsSuck

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    why don't you ask your adviser or professor?
     
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  3. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    School isn't in session yet... I am just "ahead of the game" so to speak.
     
  4. MikeHoncho

    MikeHoncho -=| Censored |=-

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    Cite or put in "footage curtesy of" watermarks in there?
     
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  5. unluckyluciano

    unluckyluciano For My Hero JetsSuck

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    hmmmmmmmmmmm I don't know of any professors that all book it home during the summer lol. I'm sure there has to be one at random you can ask .
     
  6. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    I thought I'd try here too... It's not something I have to know right away... :lol:
     
  7. AbideN703

    AbideN703 Yes, I'd hit it

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    You aren't profiting off of it and I doubt anyone outside of your school would see it. It seems alright to me but as you said, I'd check with someone who has a definite answer.
     
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  8. jdang307

    jdang307 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Four factor fair use test. If you want it to be fair use, maximize the factors.

    1 helps you here. Plus, since dissemination of facts or info helps the public, it helps when the stuff is not fictional. Documentary for school helps.
    2 is probably the most significant. The more transformative the better. In your case, I think it is very transformative.
    3 is obvious. Shorter the better, and the less significant to your work even better.
    4 Your small usage probably will not diminish the NFL's market at all. You're not even selling anything. Nobody looking for the NFL is going to mistake you as a replacement.

    None of the above is legal advice. You're on your own. But like I said, maximize the factors in your favor. This is such a fact based analysis nobody has the answer until it goes into court and is decided. But you're on the right track.
     
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