Legal Help

[SteveD]

If the person who pushes the shutter button is the copyright owner, then would that mean the cameraman on the movie set owns the finished film? How do the studios handle that?
Steve D

[RobArtLyn]

Originally Posted by SteveD

If the person who pushes the shutter button is the copyright owner, then would that mean the cameraman on the movie set owns the finished film? How do the studios handle that?
Steve D

It is covered under "work for hire" and is explicitly spelled out in the cameraman's contract before the first frame of film is exposed.

[glamourpics]

My take:

First, much of the advice so far offered is inaccurate at best.

As to my take on this matter:

1. If the asst. didn't timely register copyright in his own name, it would be EXTREMELY hard for him to get any damages at all. And although I haven't checked, he might not be entitled to attorney's fees even if he wins.

2. This is a classic "work for hire" case, in which he was under your direct control, and did nothing more than a mechanical action under your orders, and under lighting, studio, girl, etc., which you arranged.

3. Yep. In the future, use a remote release or timer. Or friend. You can hook up the radioslaves to trigger the camera. At least on my cameras...

4. What a disgusting little b.s., quasi-shakedown, piece of garbage! And what a disgusting "assistant." Perhaps if word gets out about this sleazy stunt, he may find it tougher to get more assistant work.

5. The assistant might be warned that attorney's fees are a 2-edged sword. If he loses, and he should as "work for hire," then he'll have to pay your atty's fees. You are not, figuratively speaking, a helpless duck in a shooting gallery; this duck shoots back.

6. Some kind soul should take the assistant aside and try to teach him about honesty, professionalism, and being a decent human being.