Redefining the Boundaries

With the rise in people making remixes of found material on the web, it is necessary to re-evaluate rights for each production.  The development of the system of fair use was essential to lay a framework for determining infringement problems.  Lary Lessig and Negativland in two articles explained this system of fair use.  Lessig writes how according to the law now, re-expression in the format of remixing works still is illegal since there is no attaining of permission ("The Failures of Fair Use and the Future of Free Culture").  Negativland goes further to write how the Fair Use Doctrine is excellent because of its "nod to the possible need for artistic freedom and free speech" ("Fair Use").  The actual Fair Use Doctrine, as shown in the article "Copyright & Fair Use: Measuring  the Four Factors", states the four factors that are closely regarded when examining a remix are its purpose and character, its nature, the amount use from the copyrighted source, and the effect it causes.  In other words, is the remix truly a transformation of the original work, or is it merely slicing it up and crudely pasting it in? Was there any value added in the remix like new understandings?

Lawrence (Lary) Lessig writes a wonderful article called "RW, Revived" where he critiques America's reluctance to better allow remixing.  He believes that it is a "critical expression of creative freedom that in a broad range of contexts, no free society should restrict."  When remixes are down properly, they have the ability to influence the world much more so than simple words or such could.  Remixing allows people to recreate and twist previously made works and transform them into something new and influential.  Lessig does acknowledge that remixing can have bad works as a result. But he still firmly believes it is not a reason worthy to prevent remixing.

In our most recent project, we were asked to make a one minute movie comprised of only found material.  This tested my understanding of the Fair Use Doctrine as I took clips of different youtube videos and music I found.  What I sought to do was to critique the fast-paced world of today and how people are so intent upon what they have to do next, that they actually overlook precious moments.  I used repetitive images to symbolize this either in an obvious way, or perhaps a more abstract way.  I had to pay close attention to whether I was changing the video clips enough so that I would not have any copyright problems.  In doing so, I changed the style of the clips, its pace, etc.  Overall, this was quite the experience in being creative without infringing on others' rights.
Please view my video clip above!