AMV Contests?

[AsianBlossom]

So I heard some conventions do AMV contests. I was wondering about the legal aspect of this. Isn't it still considered illegal because you don't have the right to use the music for a public exhibition (unless you get the owner's permission)? And what about the images used?

[Nate]

Yeah, the legal aspects of AMVs are basically a gray area, but considering the convention isn't really profiting off of it it's not really that big of a deal. Besides, such contests can actually be profitable for the businesses.

Example. I saw an AMV at Otakon that amazed me, so I checked to see what anime was used in the AMV. Turned out to be Tsukihime. So I bought the box set. That = more money to the company. It's the same deal with the public showing of anime at conventions, which is also technically illegal, but since most of the time the convention only shows a handful of episodes, it can spark interest in a show, and then the fan goes and buys the actual DVDs or soundtracks or what have you.

The music I think isn't really considered illegal to use, because the person who made the AMV (probably) purchased the music in some form (though of course, the RIAA is against making any copies of music without paying for it, but the RIAA is a bunch of morons anyway, so yeah, who cares what they think).

[blkmage]

Copyright of a work extends to it's use in derivative works. Unless the owner allows it, it's illegal. Such is the sad and unfortunate state of copyright law.

[Htom Sirveaux]

I really wish I could make AMVs. I've got so many ideas. Half of them involve They Might Be Giants songs.

[AsianBlossom]

So...should I contact the original artists? Or would it be good to speak to the people in charge of the convention?

I'm working on a SonicAmy "Runaway" AMV and if I could enter it in a contest, I would. It's turning out great so far.

[ChristianKitsune]

XD I say don't contact anyone...Nate's post pretty much summed it up... It's not necessarilly illegal unless you are doing it for monetary gain... and if it's for a contest...

I would just cite the proper artists at the end like everyone else...

[AsianBlossom]

Hm...okay, but I'll still talk to the people in charge of the contest at the convention and make sure they've got everything straightened out.

But just a thought: if you were a music artist and someone contacted you asking for your permission to use one of your songs in a project (and they already bought the song), how would you feel about it?

Personally, I'd be flattered. Can't say the same about everyone else, but I'd be flattered.