Using Illegal Editing Software?

[projectkwe]

Me and my friends were talking and the topic of using illegal editing software came up. The main question was: if you use illegal editing software and submit your films to contests, festivals, etc. will they become ineligible for using pirated software?

I could not find any solid response that using illegal software would automatically make your film ineligible, so does anyone know for sure what the deal with this is?

 

[BenB]

YES! If someone finds out you used pirated software, and can prove it, they can file a case against you and you'll lose everything. Your film submission will be rejected faster than you can pronounce your own initials.

But, how often do you hear about folks being busted for pirated software at film fests?

 

[editblog]

you know software is cheap these days. Even at $1000 the final cut studio is a fraction of what this technology cost just a few years ago. you might not get caught ... but remember Karma. it will catch you in the end.

 

[BenB]

Bear in mind "Color" used to be a stand alone product before, and it's price started at $24,000.

 

[Lazlo]

theoretically you would get disqualified. But how in the world would anyone who mattered find out that you pirated the software??? Maybe you find George Lucas and the other judges or send them a note or something. Or brag about it to your competitors. I don't support pirated software at all, but keeping it real, you most definetely would not get busted for something like that at a festival, since there is no way for anyone to know unless you tell them and sign papers agreeing that you illegally copied the software...

 

[BenB]

Or someone knows you're using pirated software and rats you out. As for keeping it real, it really is simply immoral and unethical to use pirated stuff. Keeping it real is facing yourself in the mirror every morning. Just cause no one will know, so what? Doesn't make it right, or excuse it in any way.

And once you post publicly like this, everyone knows...

 

[Lazlo]

I agree... I was just answering the guys question, not saying that it was right or ethical to steal software.

 

[BenB]

me, too

 

[turkeyjerky]

whenever people harp on others about using pirated software, I like to ask them if they've ever downloaded an mp3. usually then, they get all defensive and try to rationalize how stealing a song is different than a program.

I first started with FCP on version 3. I was in high school and did not have a job, but wanted to start learning better editing software. since I couldn't afford it, I downloaded it. once I got to college and was working and actually using the program for projects, not just to play around on, I purchased it.

I think there's varying degrees of "pirating." if a 10 year old downloads photoshop so he can add lightsabers to his pictures, I don't think that's nearly as bad as someone who is using it to make money.

it's always an interesting topic of conversation because really, where do you draw the line?

 

[BenB]

Actually, I, and many of my colleagues haven't, and don't steal mp3's or anything. There are honest folks around. They just don't post about stealing software that takes income away from other hard working folks just like them who are trying to support families.

So, "well every one does it" just doesn't wash.

Not to mention that if a forum moderator endorses, condones, or shows support or apathy for stealing in any way, they're open to serious consequences, including legal problems. It's happened before.

Next time you put your own indie film up for sale on your own web site, and I get a pirate copy and start distributing it for free, and/or put it in my personal demo reel to get a job with claiming it as my own work, you won't care, right?

 

[Lazlo]

I don't think this issue is black and white... The way you describe the situation BenB, maybe we should start giving out life sentences to ten year olds for using photoshop/FCP to learn about filmmaking before they have any income... That'll teach 'em. [/i]

 

[BenB]

Now your simply trying to convolute what I have stated. If you want to debate, be honest and stick to the facts. "The way I state it" makes no suggestion as to what penalties should be.

Should anyone be "allowed" to steal? Of course not. But no one ever mentioned life sentences for 10 year olds. If a 10 year old, who knows what stealing is, gets caught in a retail store, the parents pay the penalty. Same with software and media. Stealing is stealing. And no one said anything about extreme punishments, contrary to what you may wish to claim.

Seems you support stealing as your "right". Sad, cause we're discussing persons of age to know better, and stealing, and reasonable penalties. Don't go all wacky with statements that are not based in reality.

The issue is black and white. Stealing is illegal, plain and simple. The penalties we have in place are pretty fair. If a 10 year old kid's parents can afford a Mac, the kid has iMovie and iDVD, enough said.

Let's move on.

 

[Lazlo]

Just because you see the issue as being black and white, doesn't by default make it that way.

Next time you put your own indie film up for sale on your own web site, and I get a pirate copy and start distributing it for free, and/or put it in my personal demo reel to get a job with claiming it as my own work, you won't care, right?

if you want to start talking about the "reality" of things... This has nothing to do with pirating software, what you describe is a form of plagerism.

I really don't actually want to get into a huge debate about this, so this will be my last comment on this. I just don't see it as this colossal abominable sin that destroys working families. Yes, it should be avoided if at all possible, but it can be used for good. And that's just how I feel.

 

[BenB]

Plagiarism is by definition a form of theft, period. Taking someone's movie and giving it out for free to others illegally is theft, not plagiarism.

Breaking a law that protects the rights of individuals is never "good". Again, you continue to convolute the facts of theft. But if you think stealing something that you have no moral or legal right to is a "good" thing, that's your opinion.