Copywrite-again (1 Viewer)

[TomB]

I have just seen a post on Dad"s Army on this section of the forum ( a post with so many replies you cannot get your two cent worth of comment in....or..if you do...you cannot find it) in which was discussed the possibility of a Dads Army set being produced...the stopper to that being copywrite from the ABC .........okay .....a silly point....Napoleon...Churchill...etc are reproduced without copyright ....they aint with us no more......Dads Army is copywrite.....no problem with that.....But.....how about the actors ?......If someone wanted to pay a tribute to a sadly passed away actor.....Clive Dunn .....there would me no better way than to reproduce his most famous role..Lcpl ...Dont Panic...Jones.....Does copywrite stop you honoring an actors most famous role ?.........surely the rele's should have a say in the matter......what is your view........TomB

 

[marco55]

To me copyright is very confusing.This is protected,this is not,this is ,this isn't,back and forth.You don't know what is and what isn't.^&confuse
Mark

 

[The Military Workshop]

Tom,
Interesting question. However I think much depends upon what agreements were made when series was made.
I would think the rights rest with BBC as the producers of the show. Family might authorise a figure of Clive Dunn
the actor but perhaps not in his Dad Army role.

Since any figure of Clive Dunn produced would only be commercial if it was from that show I doubt ABC would
approve mass produced figures.

It would be like saying that if an actor played a role of a Marvel hero such as Superman or Thor etc then his
family would have the right to produce figures. Think about the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit situation. The actors have
no rights over their character.

If you are talking about you yourself making a one off figure I would not worry about it.

Brett

 

[TomB]

To me copyright is very confusing.This is protected,this is not,this is ,this isn't,back and forth.You don't know what is and what isn't.^&confuse
Mark

Very confusing.....bit of luck there maybe someone on the forum who has a clue on what I am querying....TomB

 

[TomB]

Tom,
Interesting question. However I think much depends upon what agreements were made when series was made.
I would think the rights rest with BBC as the producers of the show. Family might authorise a figure of Clive Dunn
the actor but perhaps not in his Dad Army role.

Since any figure of Clive Dunn produced would only be commercial if it was from that show I doubt ABC would
approve mass produced figures.

It would be like saying that if an actor played a role of a Marvel hero such as Superman or Thor etc then his
family would have the right to produce figures. Think about the Lord of the Rings/Hobbit situation. The actors have
no rights over their character.

If you are talking about you yourself making a one off figure I would not worry about it.

Brett

Thanks for that.....bit unfair really.....Clive Dunn was an excellent actor and was around for a long time...but....he was only known amongst most people as Lcpl Jones,,,,he sang the introduction to DA's and also sang "Granddad" (vido on Utube under Clive Dunn... worth a watch).....It is a crying shame his best roll (IMHO) cannot be cast as a tribute to him and made available to his many fans,,,,that also includes...The Capt and Sgt whom I believe have also sadly left us......cheers TomB

 

[jazzeum]

I believe Brett is correct. BBC and or the show's creators would own the rights to the show.

 

[TomB]

I believe Brett is correct. BBC and or the show's creators would own the rights to the show.

I have no doubt Brett is correct..... shame really....Dad's Army appealed to a lot of ex-servicemen who could relate to a lot of its characters.....a set of DA's figures on a shelf would bring a chuckle and a reminder of a past life anytime it caught their eye...... TomB

 

[jazzeum]

Well, look at it this way, if you create something, do you want someone to copy it with out paying you just compensation, especially if you put a lot of time and effort into it.

 

[TomB]

Well, look at it this way, if you create something, do you want someone to copy it with out paying you just compensation, especially if you put a lot of time and effort into it.

Put it this way,,,,,,How do you pay the highest tribute to an actor without his his highest achievement.....I aint suggesting you flogg money from the ABC......the creators get the idea.....the ACTORS ....make it a success....they should get something for their effort as actors beside money......I have no objection for the ABC making money from their shows but I would like to see a bit of relaxing on copywrite.....a deal could be made with the ABC for a minimum copywrite fee with the provision that part of the profit from the toymaker go to helping returned soldiers from the Afghan War......Britian has many loss's from that war.....the US....too many.....Aust fortunately not many......would not hurt the ABC to help their own soldiers,,,,TomB

 

[The Military Workshop]

Tom,
I think your view of copywrite and relating Dad's Army figures to fundraising for soldiers from the Afghan War is too idealistic. Whilst a noble idea why should the producers of such a show owe anything to any military charity ? Do you expect all medical related shows to have some link to medical charities ? Then associated books etc. Reminds me of a Vietnam veteran I had dealings with who thought proceeds from the War Memorial shop should be divided amongst veterans (he probably didn't comprehend the War Memorial is a loss making enterprise).

As regards the ACTORS making something a succcess I can think of numerous problems with your concept that they somehow have some extra credit for the characters they portray. They get paid to play the role based on what the producers and their agents think they are worth. If they are a big enough star they might get a cut of any products related to them.

Going back to super hero characters just think how many actors have played Superman and Batman. If each actor or their family could claim some right to characters they have played the situation would be out of control. Marvel created the characters not the actor in the latest movie.
Think about Dr Who as another example.

If somebody though Dad's Army figures would sell they would have done a series by now.

Brett

 

[TomB]

Tom,
I think your view of copywrite and relating Dad's Army figures to fundraising for soldiers from the Afghan War is too idealistic. Whilst a noble idea why should the producers of such a show owe anything to any military charity ? Do you expect all medical related shows to have some link to medical charities ? Then associated books etc. Reminds me of a Vietnam veteran I had dealings with who thought proceeds from the War Memorial shop should be divided amongst veterans (he probably didn't comprehend the War Memorial is a loss making enterprise).

As regards the ACTORS making something a succcess I can think of numerous problems with your concept that they somehow have some extra credit for the characters they portray. They get paid to play the role based on what the producers and their agents think they are worth. If they are a big enough star they might get a cut of any products related to them.

Going back to super hero characters just think how many actors have played Superman and Batman. If each actor or their family could claim some right to characters they have played the situation would be out of control. Marvel created the characters not the actor in the latest movie.
Think about Dr Who as another example.

If somebody though Dad's Army figures would sell they would have done a series by now.

Brett

You make some very good points....aint gonna back down... but.... what you say probably makes more sense than my rambling.......bit idealistic maybe....but.... what the hell...we only live once (where have I heard that before?).....just a note....some-one did produce DA's figures,,,,,saw a pic on the internet,,,,,would have been a few yrs ago....whats to say it cannot be done again if enough support was given for it?......see yer Mate......TomB

 

[trooper]

As I recall a series of figures of "Dad's Army" was made some years ago. To the best of my memory they were made with the approval of the BBC although I can't remember the company that made them. I believe they were reviewed in Military Modelling but at the moment I haven't the time to spare to go rummaging through the back numbers to find the details. With regard to making figures based on actors I call Andrea Miniatures to your attention. They have made recognisable figures of John Wayne, Sean Connery, Kevin Costner and Clint Eastwood among others but have avoided identifying them by name but only by oblique reference to the films involved ie The Horse Soldier, The Man with No Name, etc. One method of avoiding copyright issues, although I have no doubt that some law practioners on the forum will write at great length giving all sorts of argument as to why this cannot be practiced. Trooper

 

[The Military Workshop]

Tom,
I did see the image of the DA figures in the other thread (after my posts in this thread). If you look at the ABC shops here I am amazed at how much Dr Who stuff is available so you would have thought some other series might be worth some product.

For a DA series of figures to work it would have to be more mainstream marketing than the TS world. The TS market probably not got enough potential customers to justify the licencing fees which would not be cheap.

I did have some experience with the BBC about 7 years ago. In those days I sold a lot of DVD's and I knew there was a lot of interest in Oz for the BBC telemovie of Bravo Two Zero (the famous Iraq SAS patrol). I wrote to them to ask how much for the rights to sell it in Oz. They wanted 20,000 pounds and that was in addition to me buying the DVD's from them. Was a bit beyond me and I note still never seen in an ABC shop here which is strange.

Brett
PS I used to sell Andrea figure kits and was amazed nobody got them for copywrite as very obvious who the figures were. Perhaps it was because they are in Spain or perhaps no studio lawyers are modellers. Certainly Marvel would have a good case as Andrew have done a few super hero figures.

 

[TomB]

Tom,
I did see the image of the DA figures in the other thread (after my posts in this thread). I have no idea of the background to those figures but I would be most surprised if they were authorised by the BBC. If you look at the ABC shops here I am amazed at how much Dr Who stuff is available so you would have thought some other series might be worth some product.

For a DA series of figures to work it would have to be more mainstream marketing than the TS world. The TS market probably not got enough potential customers to justify the licencing fees which would not be cheap.

I did have some experience with the BBC about 7 years ago. In those days I sold a lot of DVD's and I knew there was a lot of interest in Oz for the BBC telemovie of Bravo Two Zero (the famous Iraq SAS patrol). I wrote to them to ask how much for the rights to sell it in Oz. They wanted 20,000 pounds and that was in addition to me buying the DVD's from them. Was a bit beyond me and I note still never seen in an ABC shop here which is strange.

Brett

If you could do a little PR of DA in America I reckon you would have a chance ,,,, ..read the book ,,,,,very good....Have not seen the telemovie....not aware they made one.......My idea ref donating funds to afghan vets was a hint to the ABC for a huge PR exercise ... to big time themselves (The ABC) and achieve something useful including a DA series (Made in Britain)......I dont condone the vet in the toyshop....get over it Mate ....(not referring to you Brett)......sorry had to sneak a couple of things in I did not mention previously......as always.... (heard that before too) ....enjoyed our little chat.....things have been a bit quiet on the forum lately ....cheers TomB

 

[The Military Workshop]

If you could do a little PR of DA in America I reckon you would have a chance ,,,, ..read the book ,,,,,very good....Have not seen the telemovie....not aware they made one.......My idea ref donating funds to afghan vets was a hint to the ABC for a huge PR exercise ... to big time themselves (The ABC) and achieve something useful including a DA series (Made in Britain)......I dont condone the vet in the toyshop....get over it Mate ....(not referring to you Brett)......sorry had to sneak a couple of things in I did not mention previously......as always.... (heard that before too) ....enjoyed our little chat.....things have been a bit quiet on the forum lately ....cheers TomB

Tom,
Bravo Two Zero starred Sean Bean and I still have not managed to see it. Dont recall it ever being on TV here which is odd.

Has been quiet hasn't it ?{sm4}.

Brett

 

[GICOP]

Thanks for that.....bit unfair really.....Clive Dunn was an excellent actor and was around for a long time...but....he was only known amongst most people as Lcpl Jones,,,,he sang the introduction to DA's and also sang "Granddad" (vido on Utube under Clive Dunn... worth a watch).....It is a crying shame his best roll (IMHO) cannot be cast as a tribute to him and made available to his many fans,,,,that also includes...The Capt and Sgt whom I believe have also sadly left us......cheers TomB

Have to correct you there Tom :wink2: Bud Flanagan sang "Who do you think you are kidding Mr. Hitler", the theme to Dads Army. Quite a rare record to find, but I just happen to have a copy on my Jukebox ^&grin

Here is the full length version of the song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Jvr6X054xLY

Cheers

Martyn

 

[TomB]

Have to correct you there Tom :wink2: Bud Flanagan sang "Who do you think you are kidding Mr. Hitler", the theme to Dads Army. Quite a rare record to find, but I just happen to have a copy on my Jukebox ^&grin

Here is the full length version of the song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Jvr6X054xLY

Cheers

Martyn

Opp's...your right.... I should have known...., ....a couple of times I had my doubts about the singer, but always settled for Clive....cause he's my hero.......Clive does sing Granddad...nice clip on UTube under Clive Dunn....one of my favorite songs.......enjoyed the clip very much...now have it on my PC....thanks for that...TomB

 

[jazzeum]

Put it this way,,,,,,How do you pay the highest tribute to an actor without his his highest achievement.....I aint suggesting you flogg money from the ABC......the creators get the idea.....the ACTORS ....make it a success....they should get something for their effort as actors beside money......I have no objection for the ABC making money from their shows but I would like to see a bit of relaxing on copywrite.....a deal could be made with the ABC for a minimum copywrite fee with the provision that part of the profit from the toymaker go to helping returned soldiers from the Afghan War......Britian has many loss's from that war.....the US....too many.....Aust fortunately not many......would not hurt the ABC to help their own soldiers,,,,TomB

As Brett said you're probably too idealistic. The actor doesn't have any expectation other than getting paid for his work. However, it's also up to the artist to negotiate the best deal he/she can, which may include royalties.

 

[TomB]

As Brett said you're probably too idealistic. The actor doesn't have any expectation other than getting paid for his work. However, it's also up to the artist to negotiate the best deal he/she can, which may include royalties.

I think my point has been missed..........it has nothing to do personally with the actor.....I dont think the actor would give two shakes of a lambs tail after he finished the job ,,,,,,what I was trying to convey was .....I would like to see a figure of Clive Dunn as Lcpl Jones as a tribute to him as an actor (Better still the whole of DA)........Idealistic...sounds good.....anyway.... IDEALISTICALLY .. the ABC.....as a huge PR exercise ... could reduce the copywrite fee.....Back a British company to make and market DA's.....whats is wrong with that....what happened to the "Proud to be British"...or is it ..she's right jack...we are only interested in our overpaid exec's......could you not imagine the advertising power of the ABC backing a British product.......so what if it did not suceed.....Welll.....the ABC would meely add it to a long line of their stuff ups.....ofcourse none of this will happen......but we can dream cant we ?.......I personally would like to see a DD series as a tributes to the actors and British Comedy....why cant the two be combined?,,,,I am only an aussie mate...what would I know ...no malice inteneded....cheers TomB

 

[TomB]

As I recall a series of figures of "Dad's Army" was made some years ago. To the best of my memory they were made with the approval of the BBC although I can't remember the company that made them. I believe they were reviewed in Military Modelling but at the moment I haven't the time to spare to go rummaging through the back numbers to find the details. With regard to making figures based on actors I call Andrea Miniatures to your attention. They have made recognisable figures of John Wayne, Sean Connery, Kevin Costner and Clint Eastwood among others but have avoided identifying them by name but only by oblique reference to the films involved ie The Horse Soldier, The Man with No Name, etc. One method of avoiding copyright issues, although I have no doubt that some law practioners on the forum will write at great length giving all sorts of argument as to why this cannot be practiced. Trooper

Thank you for that....your post was jumbled up amongst the other replies and I just found it....if you get over 6 or 8 replies some seem to get lost....I have seen a post on Ebay...with DA figs...appear to be a few yrs old in style....the oblique ref may be a way around things...who knows....I would simply like to see a DA set to honor the actors...they made the series what it was...I think they did a darn good job....whatever way it is expressed....it would be good to see a proper DA series...c.heers TomB