OT: Do I need a company's permission to make a training video for their software?

brightmonkey wrote on 7/20/2004, 2:55 PM

I have an idea for a training video for a certain software product (not Vegas), and I'm curious; do I need to get permission for this sort of thing from the company that makes the software, or would this constitute fair use? Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated.

Comments

Spot|DSE wrote on 7/20/2004, 3:19 PM

No, you don't. However, they may have copyrighted their screen, and are not willing to allow certain functions of their tool to be shown. It's a VERY good idea to get clearance. If it's educational, there are some Fair Use statues that may come into play.
Microsoft for instance, will not allow you to do a training video that competes with their licensed training partner's videos. You can do a video, but it can't say Microsoft anywhere on the package. You can show their product, but the splashscreen cannot be shown. They have some strange rules.
[edit] forgot to mention, we're doing a disc for Apple Soundtrack and it's relationship with FCP. Apple won't permit their splashscreen to be shown either. We've asked permission, simply because the manufacturer of what you are training on also stands to gain from your training. Usually they want to be cooperative.[edit]

TheHappyFriar wrote on 7/20/2004, 5:32 PM

Does that mean you can play it safe & not show ANY identifyiable marks (smudge/blur out if necessary, etc)?

That's if you don't ask for permission of course (although there are lots of "unofficial" guides to things out there for stuff)

Spot|DSE wrote on 7/20/2004, 6:07 PM

I think you could, yes. I'm really only familiar with Apple and Microsoft's "no-no's" because we've run into them. Comapnies like Ulead, Sony, Adobe, Veritas, Audio Technica, Viewsonic, Canopus....they are all really, really great to work with. Even IBM is pretty decent.
I think if you avoid the trademarked logos, you're in good shape, but I'm not an attorney. Check with an IP attorney.

stormstereo wrote on 7/21/2004, 3:13 AM

I'd talk to the company. Instead of pissing them off after your video is finished, you could get some good things out of it like support, a free copy/discount, become a betatester, get a personal contact within et cetera.

Best/Tommy

brightmonkey wrote on 7/21/2004, 8:59 AM

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I work as a contractor for the company that makes the software in question, and it's not a large company so I have access to the right people. The question I have now is, what exactly do I ask for? Permission to use their logos and screens? Or simply their blessing? And I suppose I should get whatever it is I need to get in writing, right? Once again, any feedback would be helpful, as this is the first time I approach this type of project, and I want to do it right.

stormstereo wrote on 7/22/2004, 3:21 AM

Well, I would write some form of script and then show it to them. They might have ideas that would enhance your video. I'd even ask them what they think is the most important things to show before I start writing. Then, get some form of contract allowing you to use their graphic profile. The whole vid should, IMHO, graphically connect to the product BTW.

Also think about the voice over. Get a professional voice to do it in a sound box or do it yourself in front of the computer? I like the former but I've watched tutorials (for Director 8.5) with crappy voice too, like when demoing at a convention.

Best/Tommy