Controversy Surrounds Michael Moore - Really?
October 4, 2008 by Jane Boursaw
Several web sites linking to Michael Moore’s freebie film Slacker Uprising have received cease-and-desist letters demanding removal of the links.
What? That makes no sense whatsoever. I’m sure he wants publicity for the film, which he released online in September as a free gift to his fans in the U.S. and Canada. He sent out an email giving people permission to “share it or show it in any way you see fit.”
But, apparently, he/we can’t do that. The problem comes from international distribution of Slacker Uprising through the peer-to-peer sites, according to a lawyer from the firm of Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo, which issued the takedown notices.
More after the jump…
“My purpose was to address unauthorized online dissemination outside the scope of authorization offered by Michael Moore,” said attorney Neil Rosini in a phone interview Friday with Wired.com. “If a server makes the film available outside of the U.S. and Canada, then it’s infringing copyright.”
According to Moore’s publicity team, he owns only the North American rights to the film. So, while he’s happy to distribute it for free, the Weinstein Company, which owns international distribution rights, may not be so inclined. You can bet they won’t!
Moore addressed the issue in a note to fans before the movie’s release: “If you live outside the U.S. and Canada, I’m sorry that I don’t own the rights to make this film available to you for free. But it will be coming to a theater, video store or television network near you soon.”
So did he think that people would just NOT share it outside the U.S.? Come on, he’s Michael Moore, cynic extraordinaire. I’ll ask him, next time I see him at the theater here in town.
Images: Jane Boursaw; Michael Moore
