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Writers Guild reject recommendations for copyright reform

Writers hit out at recommendations to cut copyright protection for authors from 70 years to as little as 15.

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The Australian Writers’ Guild has criticised recommendations made by the Federal Government’s Productivity Commission that include slashing the length of time copyright protects an author’s work from 70 years to as little as 15.

Jacqueline Elaine, Executive Director of the Australian Writers’ Guild said, “The Productivity Commission seems to be recommending that broadcasters and distributors continue to make money by exploiting the intellectual property in film and TV shows while the creators of these works should be stripped of their rights to be paid.

“This recommendation, if adopted, would be yet another blow to Australians authors who, as it is, struggle to receive a fair return for their work.”

The AWG is also unhappy with proposed changes in the form of US-style “fair use” provisions into Australia’s copyright laws.

“Fair use is only fair when everyone benefits; under the Productivity Commission’s proposals the authors of Australian creative works will be left with little or nothing to show for their efforts,” she said.

“The Australian Writers’ Guild is all for copyright reforms that work. But ideological reform that strikes at the very heart of the creative process is counterproductive.”

The AWG is urging writers to respond to its draft report by 3rd June 2016.

Meanwhile submissions for the AWGIE Awards 2016 are closing soon. Submissions close May 9

The NSW branch is also hosting a Write Night Auction for the chance to have a script assessment from writers Cate Shortland, Katherine Thomson, Debra Oswald and Phil Lloyd.

There is also a competition for student members to win a script assessment from writer Blake Ayshford.

4 Responses

  1. Surely the Writer’s Guild cannot support the status quo where the copyright is the life of the author plus 70 years. This was increased from 50 years at the urging of the Hollywood Studios and was referred to as the Mickey Mouse laws to protect Disney’s famous copyright property. Even the 50 year rule was based on the time when people lived for twenty plus years less than they do now. On that logic 30 years after death would seem now to be the appropriate time and enable any post death rights royalties for the benefit of a writers children or dependents.

    1. I had an idea about this years ago…

      Humans: copyright until death, with minimum 20 years (i.e. publish in 2000, die in 2005, lasts until 2020). For posthumous works (the ‘Tolkien Clause’), protection extends 20 yrs after death. No renewals.

      Corps: American lobsters are biologically immortal. Corps must nominate 1 individual per copyright (e.g. 1 for Steamboat Willie, 1 for Mickey) & maintain it in their own facility at their own expense (no 3rd party for-profit ‘copyright farms’). If it dies for any reason, that copyright expires (no transfers, no backsies, you should’ve looked after it better). A maximum length (e.g. 50 years) also applies.

      Pros: ongoing cost deters abuse of copyrights, adds a physical basis to intangible property, aquaculture research.
      Cons: Heavily guarded hilltop facilities full of lobsters subject to attack by ‘copyright liberators’…

      1. Where do I vote?

        Unrelatedly, I have an idea for a drama (or perhaps a gameshow) that I’d like to pitch if anyone’s interested. Catering included provided you like seafood.

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