The copyright state of play : film archives in reference to the accessibility and reuse of archival footage for documentary filmmakers /

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] This grounded theory study aimed to discover the copyright state of play as it related to film archives. Interviews with documentary filmmakers were used in this study with the objective of gaining an understanding of the copyright issues that they encounter when trying to include archival footage in their films. Interviews with individuals working in film archives were also used to see how archivists manage requests from filmmakers to obtain access to archival footage. Furthermore, a document analysis of contracts and donor agreements was conducted to gain an understanding of the relationships that different archives have with donors and users who wish to reuse archival materials. Throughout the duration of the study, the methods in which archivists can help documentary filmmakers educate the public and express themselves through film were explored. Interviews with documentary filmmakers and individuals working in film archives indicated the negative influence media corporations often have on both documentary filmmakers and film archives.