ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXWhat's the rule on using film posters in a short film?
7 years, 7 months ago - Darren Roberts
Hello
I'm filming a short film on Saturday and the main character has some film posters on his wall (Alien, The Shining, Night of the living dead) the posters are only shown briefly but would most likely be in focus but the scene will be quite dark.
What's the rule on showing them, do I need to get permission for showing them in a short film?
Thanks in advance for any help.
All the best
Darren
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7 years, 7 months ago - Yen Rickeard
The unpleasant answer: unless you are going to be startlingly successful with this film, the big companies are never going to see it or notice.
The 'correct' answer is that while the artists/film makers concerned should be grateful to have the tiny amount of extra advertising, it is their copyright and you should go through the huge time consuming hassle of finding them and saying 'Hey is it all right if we...' They probable will say yes without any quibbles.
Practically, I'd put them in, in background, don't pause or dwell on them so they are only incidental. If anyone gets back to you apologise profusely, and remember you are a humble, broke, indie. There should be no come back. That will not be true if you do it in your major block buster movie. (When you might be able to charge them for the extra promotion.... she whispered hopefullly)
7 years, 7 months ago - Darren Roberts
Thanks Yen, that's very helpful.