Copyright Ownership
USC wants to own the Copyright to student-produced short films.
We do not know why. When asked why, USC Cinema administrators have no answer.

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2008 Fall Semester
How does USC Cinema get to own Copyright to student-produced short films?
- new film students are required to sign a consent form prior to starting classes.

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USC Legal Argument
to own Copyright to student-produced short films
- use of University resources -
- University resources - cameras - editing devises - equipment
- supplies - funds - guild agreements - insurance

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- USC Cinema Guild Agreements: Screen Actors Guild agreement
- USC Cinema Insurance: Workman's Comp insurance
- USC Cinema Insurance: Errors & Omissions insurance

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What can we do?
We are seeking comments from attorneys who know U.S. Copyright Law.
As we understand it "University resources" have nothing to do with U.S. Copyright Law.

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Our Next Steps
- U.S. Copyright Law research
- learn from Copyright attorneys if "University resources" has any merit as a legal argument
- inform USC Cinema students of what we've learned
- inform the media / new reporters / journalists of what we've learned

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Our Policy: patience
- this may take awhile
- that's ok, USC Cinema was started in 1929
- in 2009 USC Cinema will celebrate their 80th Anniversary
- anytime in 2008 or 2009 to accomplish our goals is fine with us

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Our Goals:
1. U.S. Copyright Law taught to film students as part of the USC Cinema curriculum
2. Copyright ownership by the Authors / film students of their original works:
Story • Treatment • Script • Short Films