Posted by UMBRO at dsl-gw2-b67.clsp.uswest.net on March 23, 2001 at 09:20:00:
In Reply to: Permission to show VA posters in my movie posted by jeff c on March 23, 2001 at 01:38:05:
: Hey Kevin or any of the View Askew guys,
: I'm an independent filmmaker in Indianapolis set to make my first feature this summer. I've got all of the View Askew movie posters as well as the Jay and Silent Bob blueprints from Mallrats and I was wondering if I could have permission to show these in the background in some of the scenes. If you need a script copy or synopsis, let me know where to send it and I can do so. I'm a huge fan of your movies, and I need some decor for the walls in my own movie, so I think it'd be cool if I could show a few VA posters.
*As Michael said below, there are big legal issues that can arise. I've seen a lot of films where there are posters in the background or homages of some sort, but the use of said items can definitely come back and kick you in the ass. I read that in Cronenberg's THE DEAD ZONE, he had to reshoot the bedroom fire scene because there was a small ET doll on one of the shelves in the room. Universal didn't like it and threatened to sue if it wasn't fixed. So keep that in mind. It may not be a problem with all companies, but it only takes one high power person not liking it to screw with your world. Go with what Michael said below; cover your ass by getting permission. Try writing Miramax and/or Grammercy and let them know what your film is about and the planned exact usage of copyrighted material. If it's simply a poster in the background and they aren't offended by the film's content and what not, they may just send you back a letter granting permission. It's worth a shot. Good luck.
Michael