The Grinch That Stole My DVD

MichaelS wrote on 12/5/2004, 7:34 AM
There's been several posts concerning the proliferation of the VHS>DVD copy machines, as well as the illegal copying of replicated DVD's. Well, this problem has finally hit home...with a vengence.

Although we have a substantial "per hour" charge for camera and post...in the past, here in Mayberry, we have produced local several local school beauty pageants and events for "copies sold"...plus good will. This has always worked out well in the past...no problems, no complaints.

We recently completed a high school pageant where only 2 DVD copies were purchased. This is a production that historically has sold up to 50 VHS or DVD's. Obviously, someone has created a "blackmarket" for this production. We're yet to release the 2 DVD's purchased and I'm considering a bit of "covert" editing...rendering the short, opening sequence separately and discretely including the purchasers name on 1 frame, perhaps of frame 1000.

This is a lot of trouble, but it may help in making a point with parents and school officials of the importance of protecting our work. In our small community, it won't be difficult to trace the culprit. I'm not sure how hard we will press the issue, but a least the knowledge that we're "on to them" may provide some relief in the future.

Nonetheless, this incident has effectively ended the "per copies sold" way of doing business. In the future, we will have to have "presells or guarantees".

Now before I get chastised for doing business this way, be aware that we only do "per copies sold" work for those projects that have been traditionally profitable and whose organizations hesitate to obligate themeselves for this type of event.

I sincerely believe that the availablity of affordable, consumer technology this Christmas will change many of the ways we, especially the small shops, will have to do business in the years to come. No complaints...just wanting to stay ahead of the curve.

Any thoughts...!

Comments

winrockpost wrote on 12/5/2004, 7:49 AM
I'm not a detective but I believe I'd confront the suspects that ordered the 2 copies.
TheHappyFriar wrote on 12/5/2004, 7:55 AM
why not ask around & see if people are getting a copy. And, if they are, where they are getting it from.

Probley some kid/parent got DVDX-Copy & is doing this.

MichaelS wrote on 12/5/2004, 8:10 AM
Upon confrontation, no one is going to admit to copying without some definite method of tracking the original.

Also, the loaning of a dvd is not wrong, but the unauthorized copying is. One must be careful to implicate only the parties that have produced the illegal copies, not necessarily those who purchased the original. The original owner of the DVD may have no idea that their's is the "source" DVD.

More opinions...I'm listening.
Former user wrote on 12/5/2004, 8:21 AM
On your receipt of the purchase, have a large type statement stating that part of the agreement is that no copies of this DVD will be made unless they are purchase through you.

Maybe you might jog someones conscience and prevent them from overtly copying and selling.

People don't want to steal, it just seems that modern society with the internet and easy access to music, movies and such have somehow legitimize the idea that you can make a few copies of something without harm. Photographers have dealt with this for years in protecting prom and wedding pictures. It has just now come to the point that the average person can make or create a quality video so it has now become an issue for many. Ask older photographers how they have dealt with it in your community. You might get some hints.

Dave T2
winrockpost wrote on 12/5/2004, 8:32 AM
You are in a no win situation , you already knew it is was a risky way to make a dollar. . Even when you do find out who the pirate is, his customers are probably going to upset with you for stopping him or her. Refund the 2 sold and walk, deliver the 2 and walk, go after the pirate and create a scandle in Mayberry. Hmm ,what would Ange do ?


Good luck
GaryKleiner wrote on 12/5/2004, 10:12 AM
You bring up something that is a concern for all of us that produce event videos and make our money from sales.

First, the contract with the organization should have a minimum sale or dollar figure. If the minimum isn't net, then they make up the difference.

In your present situation, I would just refund the 2 orders and cancel the video due to lack of interest. The point will be made, and perhaps you will have a flood of interest all of a sudden.


Gary
nickle wrote on 12/5/2004, 10:37 AM
There may be a more obvious reason for the lack of sales.

How many others were taking videos at the event?

How many others are capable of competing with you for the whole production?

Unless sound was a critical factor, many budding videographers could have pooled their efforts and produced a decent product themselves.

With the costs of DV cameras and DVD these days and the ease of video editing I can see many more amatuers turning pro.
beatnik wrote on 12/5/2004, 10:40 AM
If you charge and make enough money for the production then don't
worry about the "illegal copies"

If your client will be making a profit from the sale of videos then charge them
for the production costs, give them the master and let THEM make and
sell copies. Place the burden on them.

Illegal copies will ALWAYS be made, especially in today's computing world
where almost every new computer comes with a DVD burner. Now we know how the music industry felt like a decade ago.

In order for us to make a buck in this brave new world we should just
concentrate on making our money on production and NOT on distibution
unless a cheap "bullet proof" copy protection product comes along.

Hope this helps....
Former user wrote on 12/5/2004, 11:16 AM
Next time you might also consider doing Pre-orders. That way, if the order number is low, you can decide if the project is worth your money and time.

Once people think it is going to be canceled 9the video), they might start ordering more.

Dave T2