Image rights( as an author)

[Andre Szankowski AIP]

Hi !!!

A on going discussion in the Portuguese Cinematographers association ( A.I.P. - www.aipcinema.com ) is the right of a cinematographer beeing recognized as an author of a film ( Features primarily ). How is it happening in other countries?

Also, how to deal with a still photographer, that comes in to the set ( Comercials ) , stops the shooting ( Asked by the agency) does his thing with your crew and leaves,AND has author rights of his pictures , with your light design, your research, recce and so on... Here in Portugal, it has happend a few times, with other DoPs and me.

All the best!

André Szankowski

[Guest]

A place called Hell will freeze over before DOPs are called the "author" of a film.

 

Want to own the rights to what you shoot? Easy...pay for the film stock, processing, transfer, camera rental, writer, locations, actors, sound crew, lights, props, art director, etc etc etc etc.

 

And presto, you will own your work :)

 

R,

[Andre Szankowski AIP]

A place called Hell will freeze over before DOPs are called the "author" of a film.

 

Want to own the rights to what you shoot? Easy...pay for the film stock, processing, transfer, camera rental, writer, locations, actors, sound crew, lights, props, art director, etc etc etc etc.

 

And presto, you will own your work :)

 

R,

 

We're not trying to own the rights, only to be considered co-authors of the feature. Like the director , scriptwrighter or even the musician. I know a lot of departements are involved in the final image ( art direction, Wardrobe etc...) DPs don't "own" the final image since is a team work. But you do influence the mood, framing, blocking, or else, the "feel" of the whole thing, you do create a second subconsious caracter, so you are also a storyteller, in your own particular way.

That's what we are lookin for.

All the best!

Andre

[Guest]

Yes and you already get that, it's called a: Screen Credit.

 

For instance: Director Of Photography, Andre Szankowski.

 

What on earth else do you want?

 

A detailed explanation for the audience to read explaining how great a DOP is?

 

The art director often contributes a huge amount to a film, and his screen credit simply reads, Art Director.

 

Come on.

 

R,