This documentary is all about copyrights and how they are affecting our remix culture (I just sampled their description). Contrary to popular belief Glee is most def not the creator of mash ups. Gaylor uses Greg Gillis, aka Girl Talk (who is also NOT the creator of mash ups), as the thread to tie all of his points together, and Girl Talk rocks my socks off.
Girl Talk is dance music for the A.D.D. generation, and it's free. What's not to love? The Ramones intertwined with Missy Elliot, Beastie Boys with Iggie Pop, Ludacris with Phoenix. Damn right All Day is blaring in my headphones while I type. On to the next stop money in my pocket.....
Let's not detract from the major point at hand here. There are a handful of giant corporations that own and operate all of America's media. Yep, allllll the movies and music. Instant access to music and movies is available, IF YOU DO IT WITHIN THE RULES. Should artists like Girl Talk be able to take hundreds of samples, mash them together, and make his own album and style while not having to answer to any of the original artists??
Rip makes the point that all of our ideas are born from something else that we have seen or experienced. The present builds on the pillars of the past, and if an artist takes something and changes it into a totally different style then it becomes theirs. Gaylor even encourages you take his film and mash it up yourself, after all, it may land him in the clink or as a hobo on the streets of Montreal.
This is only a tiny a slice of what all this doc brings, and since it is available for free on Open Source Cinema (not copyrighted), give it a watch.
I liked the style of it, and the way it was organized. This guy really did his homework and put his heart and soul in voicing his opinion. While I think ultimately I am in agreement with his basic opinions, I can't say it's complete agreement. Do I like that 2 major corporations are in control of our media, hell no. I think a lot of things will come on a case to case basis. I like the idea of sharing, but the idea of "gives an inch, takes a mile" comes to mind when you open anything up to entire society. There will always be those people that would rather steal and exploit than enjoy and appreciate.
I guess there is really only one question to answer: Pirate/Not a Pirate? To that I say,"Arghhhhhhhh."
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