RE: Filming of sculptures

This is a difficult question with no right or wrong answer. IMO, if the sculptures just happen to be in the background of a given scene, then it is likely to be fair use. If the camera comes in close to any of the sculptures implying that the point of the shot is for the viewer to be able to note the sculpture specifically, or perhaps if any people are shot standing next to or on the sculptures for specific effect, then I believe it would be prudent to clear rights with the copyright owners.  

Sincerely,  

Robert Panzer

Executive Director  

VAGA (Visual Artists and Galleries Association, Inc.)

350 Fifth Avenue

Suite 2820

New York, NY 10118

Tel: 212 736 6666

Fax: 212 736 6767

rpanzer[_at_]vagarights.com

From: CNI-COPYRIGHT -- Copyright & Intellectual Property [mailto:CNI-COPYRIGHT[_at_]cni.org] On Behalf Of Kathy Tadlock Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 2:46 PM To: CNI-COPYRIGHT -- Copyright & Intellectual Property Subject: [CNI-(C)] Filming of sculptures  

On the WWU campus, there is an extensive collection of outdoor sculptures. A film crew is coming to campus to film a short piece (four minutes) about some WWU athletes. They will be taking a walking tour of campus. The producer is interested in including some of the sculptures in the film.  

Does permission need to be requested to include the sculptures in the filming? For some sculptures, there are existing limited copyright agreements for web use and print reproductions.  

Kathy Tadlock
Support Services, Publishing Services
Wilson Library 564
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA 98225-9127 Received on Fri Aug 25 2006 - 02:25:01 GMT