Taping IS Theft

[Mike66]

Glad to See Ms. Massell going public with the issue of illegal taping of performances.  What I don't understand is why the theatres/producers don't get serious about stopping it.  And why theatre goers tolerate it from people sitting nearby.

 

I've been very lucky -- so far no one has tried to tape a performance while sitting near me.  I've thought about what I would do.  Although I know I would be tempted to take their phone and slam it into 1000 pieces, I would prefer to not become totally enraged.  It would be great to know that if I take the time and effort to notify the theatre that they would actually do something. 

 

I also hope that the people on this Board will make their feelings known.  It's become clear to me that many in the theatre world monitor (or contribute to) these threads, and I hope that there would be enthusiastic support for stopping this practice, which seems to be getting more and more out of hand. 

 

As to the person(s) who wrote in on Twitter that due to their economical situation, they count on people stealing live performances and posting them for viewing -- I cant imagine that those same people would take that approach to anything else.

 

Thanks for listening.

Mike

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

I don't get why people start threads that seem to be a continuation of a conversation that no one is having. 

[qolbinau]

I think people use the term "Theft" to exaggerate the impact that it might have. Taping is illegal and can have negative outcomes (and sometimes, in the case CARRIE the musical, positive outcomes). But it's a form of copyright infringement.

Somewhat relevant photo:

 

[Call_me_jorge]

I think the reason why producers and theatres owners don't try to stop it is because it's bad pr to stop it. 

1) let's say someone who doesn't really goes to the theatre often starts filming or taking pictures and an usher comes up and yells at them it might make that customer angry and when they go talk about the show to their friends who also don't got to the theatre often they mention "oh the workers were so rude they wouldn't let me tape the concert(I've actually heard people reference a musical as a concert. Lol)" and so that friends won't want to go.

2) bootlegs are actually a great way to advertise a show. Yes it may be illegal, but what if there is someone who is debating on seeing one show over the other so they decide to watch the bootlegs of both shows and helps them decide(I'm not saying I do this, but I know people who do). Also the producers don't have to pay for the bootleg recording so basically they aren't losing money. Although I do partially agree with the argument that bootlegs make people not want to see the show live and pay that money, but how can you explain movies. Why les mis and phantom still out there then?

[FindingNamo]

I'm totally stealing that cartoon.

[Mr. Nowack]

I was under the impression that the policy here was don't ask don't tell, n'est pas?

[PalJoey]

 

[FindingNamo]

Just think about how terrible that London Gypsy came out with a professional filming!!!  

[Jordan Catalano]

PJ.... PERFECT.

[South Fl Marc]

Thank You PJ, I love Claude Raines.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Who's Claude Raines?

[Mr Roxy]

I could never see him in the Universal version of The Invisible Man .

[Jordan Catalano]

Maybe you needed new glasses. 

[Mr Roxy]

He was invisible until the end hence the title The Invisible Man

[Mister Matt]

He got caught in a celluloid jam.

[FindingNamo]

Ha!

 

Next Halloween I'm hoping to screen a bootleg version of Imelda "London's Next Albin!" Staunton doing Rose's Turn!!!

[LizzieCurry]

In case anyone has lost the plot, here's the link to Ilana's article referenced in the first post. https://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=1089290&dt=9

[HamfourHam]

Yeah taping performances is wrong and yet I'd bet the majority of this board has watched an illegal bootleg or audio video of a show. So.....

[LizzieCurry]

I'm sure a lot of actors have, too. They're probably not the ones being quoted.

[SNAFU]

"Next Halloween I'm hoping to screen a bootleg version of Imelda "London's Next Albin!" Staunton doing Rose's Turn!!!"

 

 I just watche the full version! She scared the crap out of me in "Everything's Coming Up Roses" when she tried to strangle Louise!

[theatregoer3]

HamfourHam said: "Yeah taping performances is wrong and yet I'd bet the majority of this board has watched an illegal bootleg or audio video of a show. So.....

 

Very good point. I spend a very large portion of my income on theater tickets and I think taping is wrong in principle, but I have been known to watch bootlegs of the original Spring Awakening musical on occasion and I did pay to see the original cast three times. Same with Millie and a bunch of the Cirque shows. 

[HamfourHam]

I'm sure a lot of actors have, too.?

 

Exactly. People love to boo and hiss at people who record but everyone ( including other broadway actors) would click over to youtube right now if a bootleg of their favorite new show just got put up. Sure taping is wrong but it doesn't sound like anyone actually wants to do anything about it because it so conveniently fits their needs. 

[Jose]

Taping IS theft. Taping IS illegal. 

The fact that some actors may view or even purchase bootlegs of performances does NOT justify the practice.

The fact that someone can not afford the price of a ticket does NOT justify the practice. 

Those who deal in bootlegs and profit by them are common criminals. They are infringing on copyrights owned by artists, they are violating contracts between producers and craft unions.  

Performers who feel strongly against the practice should inform their producers and theatre management that should they catch an audience member recording their performance they will stop the show cold and not continue until that audience member is escorted out of the theate.  

Actors are in the best position to stop this insidious thievery, 

[kdogg36]

Jose: Performers who feel strongly against the practice should inform their producers and theatre management that should they catch an audience member recording their performance they will stop the show cold and not continue until that audience member is escorted out of the theatre.  

 

Though I am anti-bootleg, I can't agree with this proposed solution. As a non-bootlegging, paying customer, I expect the best efforts of every performer at all times. Call me "entitled" if you want, but, yes, I think that's exactly what the ticket price entitles me to. The misbehavior of other audience members does not justify the unprofessional reactions we've seen from some famous performers. (I know others might be thrilled to be present when their favorite actors lose it on stage, but I would definitely be peeved.)

[HogansHero]

OK kids, let's understand what we are talking about. And btw I too am anti-taping.

The act of taping a show is NOT a criminal violation of the copyright law (§506(a)). It is also most certainly not "theft" for several reasons (not only because, as rehearsed above, nothing is "taken" from anyone and also because theft requires the taking of personal property which is obviously not happening here). 

Taping IS illegal because of a contract the audience member entered into with the venue. 

An actor stopping a show is illegal in the same sense because it too violates an actor's contract.