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Author Topic: Studios Sue to End Ban on Screeners Ron Keillor Expert Film Handler Posts: 166 From: Vancouver, B.C. Canada Registered: Jul 2003 posted 02-05-2004 01:17 PM                     from the BBC news site: Oscars expel voter over 'piracy' Mystic River is among the movies allegedly pirated Academy Awards bosses have kicked out a member for the first time in history after copies of confidential preview videos ended up on the internet. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences expelled him after they say he violated an agreement not to allow "screener" films to be distributed. It comes after actor Carmine Caridi admitted sending videos to a friend who was charged with copyright violation. The Oscars have cracked down on preview tapes because of fears over piracy. The Academy asked all members to sign an agreement this year, pledging to protect their DVDs and tapes. We had hoped that this situation would not arise Frank Pierson Academy president Videos are sent to Academy members so they can vote for their favourites before the Oscars, which are being held at the end of February. The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise, and Jack Nicholson's Something's Gotta Give and thriller Mystic River were among the movies that appeared on the internet. "We had hoped that this situation would not arise," Academy president Frank Pierson said after Academy governors voted for the expulsion. The organisation had a duty to both movie distribution companies and its other members, he said. It has to "live up to our part of the bargain and to enforce our commitment to safeguard the video tapes sent to us", he added. Charges The expelled member was widely reported to be Caridi - who appeared in films like The Godfather Parts II and III - although the Academy would not officially name him. FBI officials have said Caridi has admitted to sending videos to Russell Sprague, 51, from Homewood, Illinois. Caridi's lawyer has said the actor "had no idea anyone else would be seeing" the films he sent Sprague. Mr Sprague has been charged with two counts of violating copyright laws.  |  IP: Logged Jason Black Phenomenal Film Handler Posts: 1723 From: Myrtle Beach, SC, USA Registered: Nov 2000 posted 02-06-2004 02:22 PM                        And in another twist... If the studios are serious about piracy, they should get wind of things like this... Did I read this correctly? quote: Try not a pirate. try my mom works for universal studios and i have exclusive access to workprints and screeners and i hate piracy Wonder what Mrs. Own's boss would think if they knew she allowed screeners to be handled around by her kids and all his/her friends... Then again, I'm not exactly sure about the nature of screeners, so it is possible that I'm way off base..  |  IP: Logged

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