Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/04/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]It's utterly ludicrous - I say, quite seriously, shoot away and let the heirs of Rodgers and Hammerstein sue. As if they'd care. The only thing school plays are staged for in the first place is to give parents a chance to photograph their kids in a situation where the kids are prevented from making faces or hiding! :-) -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+bdcolen=earthlink.net@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+bdcolen=earthlink.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Yin Shih Sent: Friday, April 08, 2005 2:06 AM To: lug@leica-users.org Subject: [Leica] Taking photos during school play I was all set to take discreet photos during my son's high school play, a production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma. I had an M7 & Noctilux loaded w/ Ilford Delta. No flash. During the opening announcements, it was stated "no audio/video recording and no flash photography". So I thought I was all set to take available light photos. After taking one photo, I was asked to stop by the person two down from my seat who I hadn't noticed before but who I knew was the drama director. Since it was "her theatre", I complied with her request. However, the reason that she gave was that the work was "copyrighted" and ALL recording of any kind was prohibited. I went to the Rodgers & Hammerstein website, and they indicate that the copyrighted materials consist of book, score and other similar materials required to stage the production. Their FAQ specifically calls out video recording and indicates that is a violation of their copyright without permission. http://www.rnhtheatricals.com/index.php?page=faqs The A/V restriction makes sense, since an audio or video recording would capture the book or the score or both. However, a still photograph captures none of what would seem to be R&H's copyrighted material. Staging, sets, costuming, etc would appear to be the property of the production house, i.e. the high school. Hence, I think the drama director misunderstands the restrictions and discreet photography could be allowed, so long as it was not disruptive (loud motor drive, flash, etc). It seems ridiculous not to allow parents to take photos of their kid's on stage. Anybody with any experience on this question? _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information