On Tue, 16 Jan 2001 06:31:09 GMT, "Steve Guidry" wrote:

I agree with your second paragraph, but unless the
originator of the work specifically signs away
copyright ownership, it is retained by the originator
by US copyright law (at least for images - I've heard
of some nasty recent law changes regarding music,
though...). The usual applies: I am not a lawyer, so
do not rely on my advice for legal purposes, etc...;-).

>Basically, it amounts to a contract issue. If you were shooting on spec,
>and sold them the finished product, then you may own the rights. If you
>were on a commissioned project, then you were probably performing a "work
>for hire", and the work product then belongs to the client.
>
>Unless you captured some one-of-a-kind footage - - say of an event that
>cannot be re-staged - - then you're probably better off just shooting it
>again for the new client. The small amount you save in trouble can come
>back to bite you in the ass if the original client feels like you somehow
>shafted them.

>CSan2C wrote in message <20010115222510.00585.00001697@ng-cm1.aol.com>...
>>I recently shot 20 hours of footage (all location candid stuff) for a
>>promotional video for the convention & visitors bureau in my city. Does
>anyone
>>know of the laws regarding ownership of footage and re-use. A lot of what I
>>shot has the potential for use by other entities, and I'd sure like to be
>>able to take advantage of re-selling clips.