Is it worth trying to charge Pirates.?Help needed

[BILL MARTIN]

Hi Everyone.

This is my first post and I badly need some advice.I am a small time Home Movie Maker mostly film at dogging sites around the South East main one being Ockham Common some of you will know me.I ventured into selling my DVDS to local Sex shops & Parlours which was hit and miss but is going well now.I was told by a friend of mine that my films were being sold at a boot sale in Essex and went along and there they were,they are also selling in QXL auction site for Gods sake..After seeking advice I made a purchase and then sent them to F.A.C.T. (FEDERATION AGAINST COPYRIGHT THEFT) hit and miss there.I also reported them to Essex Trading Standards.From the information I have this is their first offence for Selling Pirate DVDS and it all seems so much time and hastle to get this thing to court legaly.Firstly what is likely to happen to them if i get them to court for their first offence and Secondly.How do the other Producers go about sorting the Pirates out ? Do they try and take them to court or do they have contact with the pirates.Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Bill.
Mario if you read this its the same Bill who emailed you a few times.

[one eyed jack]

Hi Bill, I don't mean to be condescending when I say this but...What made you think you could go to the Federation Against Copyright Theft to sort your pirate problem out? Do you subscribe to them? Remember the FACT are there because they are funded by the huge film companies to do their job. They're not going to run to the defence of the small porn film producer who has his stuff copied by people who have to pay by instalments when it comes to fines.

Pirates are a nuisance, yes they are, but they also have their uses. One thing for certain, you can never stop the pirates but you can get some of the more reputable ones to work in your favour by having a quiet and civilised word in their ear like.

Furhtermore Bill, what rights do you think you have when you don't even get your movies certified by the BBFC. At least you can say they are selling uncertified movies and then something may seen to be done by that administrative body but lets face it, take out one pirate and there are another 30 more.

[eduardo]

.........but if the pirates can be done for selling uncertified material then surely so can Bill?

[Officer Dibble]

Quite.

Bill doesn?t seem to realise his dealings are just as dodgy as the pirates. He's best keeping his powder dry or he's liable to find himself up in front of the magistrates.

Officer Dibble

[BILL MARTIN]

Hi All.

The ones i am selling arent hardcore,I know about the BBFC but cant afford to get the unedited films done yet so really im not doing anything wrong,but its ok for these guys to take my film and sell it.FACT as you have mentioned arent very helpful as I aint paid them anything it appears they are sided to the American Producers.Can someone answer is it worth trying to get them banged up or will they get a fine for a first time ?

Thanks again

[BILL MARTIN]

They are the softcore versions that are in the shops etc.Many seem to like the chat and stuff that goes on before the sex begins,i film from a distance like a voyer thing when it kicks off and go over when there done to get the reaction and aftermath etc.....

[joe king]

You sell softcore shite - shame on you.


'I ventured into selling my DVDS to local Sex shops' - so these were unlicenced sex shops?

You could be done for selling uncertificated material - no matter how 'hard'.

[Riley]

How did you manage to get Phil Mitchell to sign a model release ...... LMFAO

[BILL MARTIN]

He hasnt yet but Stan wasnt a problem.

[Officer Dibble]

"You could be done for selling uncertificated material - no matter how 'hard'."

Joe's right. It doesn?t matter if it's hard or soft, you still need a BBFC certificate. So, if you can't afford it, you'll just have to call it a day. Or, another option might be to pal your local pirates up to find out where the best boot sales and pitches are, and how much they might cost. Then just get down to earning a living like everyone else.


Officer Dibble