Ep 201: Insights with Lisa A. Callif: Safeguarding Your Creative Work in Filmmaking

Filmmaking Conversations Podcast with Damien Swaby

Today, we have an exceptional episode lined up for you. Joining Damien is the talented Lisa A. Callif, an expert in copyright law. Lisa will share her invaluable insights on a topic every filmmaker needs to understand – navigating the complex world of copyright, fair use, and protecting your creative work.
Main Discussion Points:
Whether you're an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned professional, understanding these legal intricacies is crucial to ensuring your projects are safeguarded from legal pitfalls.
We'll dive into a detailed discussion on the 1976 Copyright Act, its implications for modern filmmakers, and the importance of protecting your creative work from inception to distribution. Lisa will also touch on international copyright issues and provide practical advice on drafting collaboration agreements, ensuring your projects run smoothly and legally.
We'll explore critical aspects of fair use and how the 1976 Copyright Act has shaped the way filmmakers protect their work. Plus, Lisa will share insights on automatic copyright protection and the importance of registering your work to strengthen your legal standing.

• Book Recommendation: Additionally, Damien will share his experience with Lisa's highly recommended book, Clearance and Copyright, which has been an invaluable resource for him and promises to be for all filmmakers, especially those working on documentaries.

• Insightful Exchange: Lisa discusses the significance of the 1976 Copyright Act's life plus 70 years provision, shedding light on the balance between protecting creative works and public domain considerations globally. She also explains the complexities filmmakers face when dealing with international copyright laws and specific case examples, such as the challenges surrounding characters like Robin Hood in different territories.

• Collaboration Insights: Addressing the essential elements of collaboration agreements in filmmaking, Lisa emphasizes the importance of documenting agreements early to prevent disputes later on. She outlines key clauses including decision-making processes, profit sharing, and dispute resolution, highlighting their critical role in maintaining project integrity and relationships.

• Conclusion: So grab your notepads, filmmakers, because you won’t want to miss this informative episode packed with essential knowledge for your creative journey.

W: https://donaldsoncallifperez.com/attorneys/lisa-a-callif/
Clearance & Copyright Everything You Need to Know for Film, Television, and Other Creative Content: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Clearance--Copyright-by-Michael-C-Donaldson-Lisa-A-Callif-Christopher-L-Perez-Michael-C-Donaldson/9781935247296
Filmmaking Conversations – where creativity meets clarity.

Previous Guests Highlights:

• James David Redding III: Emmy Award winner for his work on "The Queen's Gambit."
• Donald Sylvester: Academy Award winner for Best Sound Editing for "Ford v Ferrari."

Damien Swaby Social Media Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmmaker_damien_swaby/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FDamienSwaby
Also, you can check out my documentary The People of Brixton, on Kwelitv here: The People of Brixton https://www.kweli.tv/watch/kweli/the-people-of-brixton