Video Blocks Archive Service - Filmmakers Pay Attention

Recently Video Blocks Archive published their service encouraging filmmakers to "free download all their archive for 7 days" We noticed at one of the documentary forums a filmmaker published this -

Just got burnt by this archive company, Video Blocks, which advertised a 7 day trial period, instead of asking whether I would like to use their service, they just began to charge my account. Obviously a way of collecting money, its not illegal as it says in their small print they can do this, although it should be illegal. They won't return the money, I'm considering taking it further, its not a huge amount, but its just the principal of the thing. It's not right to take money without an authorization after a trial, a trial is a trial. Has anyone else had this experience with this company?

So filmmakers, be careful and make sure you get feedbacks on online services, and please share information.

Luis CK is going DIY

Update: Louis C.K has gotten a million dollars already! That's brilliant news for all you filmmakers who are still debating whether to offer download files copies of your movies, he was told by others that it would be ripped of.

No, Luis CK is not making a documentary, but he's one of our favorist comedians out there, and well, we feel that his message and bold move can inspire many indie filmmakers. Louis CK decided to make his own stand. The comedian rented New York City's Beacon Theater, hired his own production crew and filmed a brand-new one-hour comedy special out of his own pocket. The aim? To offer it one month later as a $5 Internet download. In his sharp way he stands up against torrents users:

"To those who might wish to "torrent" this video: look, I don't really get the whole "torrent" thing. I don't know enough about it to judge either way. But I'd just like you to consider this: I made this video extremely easy to use against well-informed advice. I was told that it would be easier to torrent the way I made it, but I chose to do it this way anyway, because I want it to be easy for people to watch and enjoy this video in any way they want without "corporate" restrictions.

Please bear in mind that I am not a company or a corporation. I'm just some guy. I paid for the production and posting of this video with my own money. I would like to be able to post more material to the fans in this way, which makes it cheaper for the buyer and more pleasant for me. So, please help me keep this being a good idea. I can't stop you from torrenting; all I can do is politely ask you to pay your five little dollars, enjoy the video, and let other people find it in the same way."

Sincerely,
Louis C.K.

We know we will be supporting CK, and we hope this will make a small step toward making DIY a popular chocie for both filmmakers and viewers.

DocMovies is on Tribeca 15 Twitter Feeds Every Doc Filmmaker Should Follow!

"Covering topics including, DIY, Digital Distribution, and New Media, @DocMovies provides updates on the state and evolution of filmmaking in the digital age, thus making it a valuable resource for any filmmaker. The feed also publishes news regarding major film events such as festivals and award ceremonies" Read The Full Article

Digital Millenium Copyright Act

From the IDA newsletter- this is important

In July 2010, documentary filmmakers won a three-year exemption from the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA). This exemption allows a filmmaker to take materials from DVDs and use those film clips for criticism and commentary. But this exemption is in no way permanent.

Documentary film is critical to our culture and our democracy. The DMCA undermines filmmakers' ability to utilize fair use with the footage in their films by making the act of ripping footage from a DVD illegal. The IDA and Kartemquin Films together will be requesting that this exemption be renewed to allow all filmmakers to obtain the film clips they need under protection of the law. To do so, WE NEED YOUR HELP.