lifebsideben

I downloaded a documentary last night called “Good Copy, Bad Copy“, about copyright and the realities of the world today. It is non-preachy, extremely well-put-together, and fantastically entertaining if you’re at all interested in the subject (I very much am). It’s got some exposition bits, but largely, doesn’t try to beat you over the head with the concepts, instead just starts telling illustrative stories… and telling them well.

Especially fascinating I thought was the part about Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry. They have no copyright laws in Nigeria, but are apparently the largest (by number of films produced per year) film industry in the world, surpassing Hollywood and Bollywood. Their model is straightforward, works within the confines of the market realities, and is appears highly successful.

Other topics touched on are The Pirate Bay and their bust, Danger Mouse (and Gnarls Barkley) wrt sampling, Lawrence Lessig on IP, and the usual punditry by MPAA/RIAA folks.

This is good stuff, and eminently watchable. I highly recommend you go download it and check it out! Here’s the badge-able sneak preview from blip.tv:

Oh, and the company that puts this out, Rosforth, looks like they have some other really interesting documentaries as well, although it’s not at all clear how to get your hands on them outside of a public market in Copenhagen