Research Task - Examples of media products

Legal issues of media products

TV Production – Stoptober

For this campaign the legal issues that would need to be considered are: the Freedom of Information Act (2000), the Data Protection Act (1998) and the Copyright, Design and Patents Act (1998). The Stoptober campaign is run by the NHS, which is a public sector organisation meaning that according to the Freedom of Information Act it must release information it holds regarding the general public. The intended purpose of the campaign is to get people to sign up to their program for the month of October in order to help them quit smoking. This is where the data protection act becomes relevant as when people are signing up to the program they will have to enter their personal details (name, address, health records), which the company has a legal requirement to keep safe by using methods of encryption. As when producing any media product the NHS must follow the Copyright, Design and Patents act to make sure no one else has used the term “Stoptober” in their campaign.

Social media campaign – sponsored Snapchat filters

For this campaign the legal issues that would need to be considered are: the Copyright, Design & Patents Act (1998), the Data Protection Act (1998) and the Intellectual Property Act. When they company (e.g. Crunchie, Gatorade, Taco Bell) is working with Snapchat to create their filter they must make sure they don’t use any copyrighted images or slogans and when people use the filters take pictures of themselves, Snapchat must make sure that the photo is not used inappropriately as it is that persons intellectual property.

Digital animation – South Park

The main legal issue that needs to be considered in this example is slander. South Park is Infamous for making jokes about celebrities and imitating them in crude fashion; such as in the 2001 episode “Super best friends” when the Muslim prophet was portrayed as a fire bending magician.

Radio Production – TalkSport

The two legal issues that need to be considered for the production of TalkSport are the Data Protection Act (1998) and Slander. TalkSport often has listeners call in to the show to voice their opinion on various sporting topics. When calling the show, listeners may have to input certain personal details. TalkSport has a legal obligation to keep peoples personal data safe and secure. This is usually done through means of encryption. On the show presenters often discuss the performance of certain athletes; when doing this they have to make sure they do not state false truths or insult the athletes in any way, as this would be classed as slander and the show could face a lawsuit.

Graphic Novel – The Walking Dead

When creating a graphic novel like The Walking Dead, the main legal issue the creators have to take into account is the Copyright, Design & Patents act (1998). The creators have to make sure that the story they write, characters they create and artwork they use do not resemble that of another media product.

Legal Issues Revision

Legal Issues Revision

Freedom of Information Act 2000

The Freedom of Information Act makes public sector organisations (such as the NHS, the police and state-run schools) release information they have about the general public. They have an obligation to publish /make available information about their activities. Companies can face a fine if they do not release the information usually within a 30 day period.

Data Protection Act 1998

This act protects peoples personal data (bank account details, religious beliefs, health records, name, address). Companies must keep your personal information safe by encrypting it. They are not allowed to give you information to third parties. If a company shares your personal information they can get fined, sued and/or sent to jail. In regards to pre-production; e-commerce, competitions and surveys all require the consumer to input personal information.

Libel

The act/crime of making a written statement that isn't truthful and is potentially damaging to a person reputation. This is called deformation. This applies to any written text (magazines, newspapers, online content).

Slander

The act/crime of making a spoken statement that isn't truthful and is potentially damaging to a person reputation. This applies to media products such as TV news, chat shows, interviews.


Copyright, design & patents act 1998

Gives copyright to someone who has created something, meaning that no one else can copy it and if people want to use it they have to get your permission (if you own it). This applies to media products such as music, logos/trademarks, books, films. It controls how your product is used by others.

Intellectual Property

Protects your product regardless of whether you created it by yourself or in a group. If you create something as part of a company the organisation owns the intellectual property. This is so that if you leave a company you cannot make a profit off the idea. You could get permission to use a product by: emailing the owner, write them a letter, arranging a meeting, phone call, sometimes social media if it is less formal.

Legal issues - class presentation notes

Data Protection Act

1. Definition.
The data protection act is what controls how peoples personal information is used by government organisations and businesses. These rules make sure that data is: safe & secure, used lawfully

2. Three reasons why it's important.
The data protection act controls the way information is handled and gives legal rights to those who have information stored about them. If it is not followed correctly it could result in prosecution and severe legal issues.

3. What are the consequences of not adhering to this law?
There is a maximum fine of £500,000 but the ICO (information commissions office) have never issued a penalty more than £350,000. From the 25th of May 2018 penalties will reach a maximum of €20 million.
4. An example of where this legal issue was breached.
Hackers broke into Sony's online store and stole lots of peoples information, courts held Sony liable.
5. How does this law effect the pre-production of a media product? Give examples.
During the pre-production of a media product the data protection act affects it in several ways. The company is obliged to securely hold the information and details for those involved such as the cost and crew. Companies keep data safe by using things like strong password management, anti-spyware software and ensuring there are backups of data.

Intellectual Property Rights

1. Definition.
Intellectual property rights are he protections granted to the creators of IP and include trademarks, copyright, patents, industrial design and in some jurisdictions trade secrets.
2. Three reasons why it's important.
It supports high paying jobs as it employs over 55 million Americans and hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Drives economic growth and competetiveness, America is worth $5.8 trillion more than any othe country in the world. Strong and enforced IPR protect customers and families, it helps consumers make an educated choice
3. What are the consequences of not adhering to this law?
When a creator creates their work they can copyright it so only they and anyone they allow to use it can use it and if they don't have rights to the work and use it then the case of copyright infringement may be filled.
4. An example of where this legal issue was breached.
Amazon was granted a patent for 1-click technology on September 28th 1999. There was a patent infringement lawsuit filed against Barnes & Noble in 1999; the company offered a checkout option called "express lane" which also enabled shoppers to make a purchase with just one click. The lawsuit was settled in 2002
5. How does this law effect the pre-production of a media product? Give examples.
This affects the pre-production of a media product as it means they have to get the rights to the image or music they use so big production companies partner or collaborate for a big film so the both get recognised for it and both are fairly paid for it. Both gain from it as Ellie Goulding has done work with films.

Libel & Slander

1. Definition.
The act/crime of making a written statement that isn't truthful and is potentially damaging to a persons reputation.
The act/crime of making a spoken statement that isn't truthful and is potentially damaging to a persons reputation.
2. Three reasons why it's important.
to protect yourself from prosecution, to avoid broadcasting false information to an impressionable audience and to avoid large financial loss.
3. What are the consequences of not adhering to this law?

4. An example of where this legal issue was breached.
The high court rules Sally Bercow's tweet about Lord McAlpine was Libellous. If the law is breached accidentally the lawsuit can be dropped.
Robbie Williams sued his celebrity look alike who was pretending to be the real Robbie Williams.
5. How does this law effect the pre-production of a media product? Give examples.
For both libel and slander it is imperative that the information you are providing be truthful down to the last detail. 

Copyright, design & patents act 1998

1. Definition.
Copyright is claiming ownership of literary
2. Three reasons why it's important.
It is a legal requirement, it allows you to get credited for your work and it protects your rights.
3. What are the consequences of not adhering to this law?
The courts can impose a potential fine of up to £50,000 and a custodial sentence of up to 10 years.
4. An example of where this legal issue was breached.
Puff Daddy stole the melody from The Police's song "Every breath you take"
5. How does this law effect the pre-production of a media product? Give examples.

You have to be cautious during pre-production as it is sometimes hard to avoid using copyrighted material meaning that it has to be scanned several times to make sure all material used is your own.

LO1 - Legal Issues

What does crowd funding mean?

•Crowd funding is when a project is funded by donations from the public-correct

State two advantages for an independent project

•Independent projects tend to be cheaper as there are usually less staff embers that need paying a salary more freedom over what you raise your money for.

•More money goes to your project because you have no subsidiaries

•

State two disadvantages for an independent project

•Harder to advertise the project as there are no subsidiaries that can be used to spread the word about the project

•Can be hard to get money if there is a lack of fan base

Social media can also be used for advertisement i.e. Facebook , Instagram

Assessor: Matt Frost

Legal Issues

—Copyright

—Permit to film at a certain location (release & consent form)

—Health & Safety (Risk Assessment)

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LO1: Legal issues presentation

LO1: Legal issues presentation

1. Definition.
2. Three reasons why it's important.
3. What are the consequences of not adhering to this law?
4. An example of where this legal issue was breached.
5. How does this law effect the pre-production of a media product? Give examples.

My Group
 Theo
Joakin

Freedom of Information Act 2000

1. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides public access to information held by public authorities. It does this in two ways; public authorities are obliged to publish certain information about their activities, and members of the public are entitled to request information from public authorities.

(https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-freedom-of-information/what-is-the-foi-act/)

2. It is important because it allows people to "check up on" public authorities to make sure they aren't doing anything wrong and because it allows people to find out what public authorities know about them.