Today is October 10, 2010…or if you’re sharper than me, that would be 10.10.10. And today all across the world, documentary filmmakers, students and inspired people like you are organizing to record the human experience during this 24 hour period and contribute a voice to what looks to be the largest participatory media event in history.
Every country in the world–190 something–are participating, as well as nearly every major NGO…with cameras even being dropped into Somalia, Iran, Mongolia, etc, via UN supply chains. The goal? A global time capsule, a documentary film, a photo book, and some good ol’ creative spirit, among other things…
Call me crazy, but I think this project deserves your attention–and your participation (see qualifying update below). I’m on the road in Asia with a million things in my lap, and a little behind the 8-ball on this cause of my schedule, but I’ll be sending something in. My understanding you can submit stuff from today in the next 30 days.
Update: you should know that for this project, the organizers have mandated an “all rights” clause on submission. It’s incredibly important to be aware that you’re essentially donating work to the project. I usually do not support stuff like this, or only support ideas like this if artists are acutely aware and interested in supporting this on the stated terms for personal reasons and not as a matter of professional practice. I am typically very bullish about maintaining/managing my rights at the appropriate level and suggest you do the same. ( I have been to federal court defending my rights and the right so of other artists at considerable personal expense.) Overdoing this practice of giving work away can degrade our rights. Alternatively, pretending there aren’t appropriate reasons or causes to do otherwise can be overly narrow. I’m attempting to advocate in this post is participating in kicking in photos for the time capsule/’global good’ argument. I think this is a worthwhile idea, but I won’t be sticking my neck out too far on this…Low hanging, donated fruit.I’m considering anything I submit as a donation. If you are opposed or this, even in the most limited capacity, I fully support you. You should know that I’ve sent the organizers a note to this effect in an attempt to increase awareness and change submission regs for the future.
Submit HERE. Follow them on Twitter HERE and on Facebook HERE.
Sorry Chase, I think giving away rights (human or just copy) is just not on.
I respect that you believe this is a cause deserving of it and that you fairly explained yourself and your respect for those who choose not to submit – that’s a mark of a thoughtful and reasoned man.
However, I can only see irony in one group of people being asked to forfeit a right to help others attain and retain their right to a better world.
Cheers
paul
Hi Paul,
Rights issues are very tricky and releases give both the producer and actor/subject/talent a clear understanding as to what is expected. At least in the US, subjects to commercial productions sign releases giving the rights of the footage/media created (by the producer) to the producer as stated in the release. It is not designed to slight the talent in any way, as rights are all discussed up-front.
I hope that made sense. 1000s of lawyers make their career on this stuff- I don’t envy them.
Brandon Litman
BTW, I was directed to this site by the One Day on Earth production crew to field the previous question and I think the community here has some great opinions. It is nice to see a blog followed by a supportive audience that can have good conversation. I’ll be coming back to visit more 🙂
Wow! This is an incredible project.
I am really surprised that you are endorsing this. Did you read the fine print?
“I acknowledge and agree that Producer shall have complete ownership of all footage in which I appear, including copyright interests therein, notwithstanding any concepts of droit morale or the “moral rights of authors”, and I further acknowledge and agree that Producer shall have no financial commitment or obligations to me as a result of this Release or the exercise of rights under this Release”
never ever give up ownership or copyright of your materiel, never! and to the gentleman who is going to submit wedding footage, i would recommend making sure that your client knows you intent to give away footage of them to a third party of mass distribution and possible financial gain on their part.
people…dont give away copyright of your work, especially for free. Donate to worthwhile causes such as breast cancer research and homeless shelters, but never give away copyrights to your work.
Look at the massive global industry sponsors of this project, I grantee you the people involved in this are making a profit from your hard work and creative art. Don’t give that away for free and do not ever give away copyright of your work for free.
let the flaming begin.
great point, @concerned artist. i meant to call attention to that and to qualify it in the post – will update now. i always read the fine print and i agree that this is bullish and not to be taken lightly. i have defended my copyright and the copyright of other artists in court, in the most real terms throughout my past and will continue to do so. the part i’m attempting to advocate in this post is participating in kicking in photos for the timecapsule ‘global good’ argument. I’m considering this a “donate” as you call it. and i think this is a worthwhile idea. I like the idea. i don’t subscribe to words like always and never – there are always shades of grey… but I too won’t be sticking my neck out too far on this for reasons you mention. low hanging, donated fruit. your points are of course well taken and I want you to know that i have already sent notes to the organizers on this point. thanks!
Hi Everyone,
I’m a producer on the One Day on Earth project and I wanted to take a quick second to clarify @concerned artist’s comment.
The legal form you pulled the quote from is a talent / appearance release form; those right are being defined for the subject you shoot not the content creator. If you read the language which you quoted again, you’ll notice word appear, which I capitalized below.
“I acknowledge and agree that Producer shall have complete ownership of all footage in which I APPEAR, including copyright interests therein, notwithstanding any concepts of droit morale or the “moral rights of authors”
The rights of the footage submitted to One Day on Earth remain with the creator – but, by submitting footage, you would give a license to One Day on Earth to include your in a film, archive, and other One Day on Earth initiatives (i.e. education toolkits, shorter vignettes. . . )
I hope this clears things up! Reading legal language is never a breeze – but rest assured, we are a grassroots organization that truly appreciates and respects the content creator.
Best,
Brandon Litman
ONE DAY ON EARTH
Thanks @Brandon and @chase. I submitted my comment under anonymity because I knew I would get comments like the one that was originally after mine, not fun 🙂
I wholeheartedly subscribe to donating time and work to worthwhile charity like Breast Cancer research, homeless shelters, ect. and I do so on more of a local level with people I know and meet in my community…but i am a “little guy” and always weary that even under the best intentions, signing over my copyright to an organization I’ve never met may result in that clip being used for profit some point down the road long after the original intended project has ended. I drink alot of coffee and i’m just paranoid.
Thank you for taking the time to address my concern, it says alot about quality of the organization for which you represent 🙂
Doe!!!!
30 after 12 …. missed it