MPAA Calls for Ban on Screeners

neoThoth writes "The MPAA is calling for a ban on all screeners for awards ceremonies. They state piracy as the rationale for killing of this tradition of the industry. It's interesting how this is never mentioned in their cries for tougher piracy laws. It's own members are the main source of piracy. 'The Directors, Writers and Screen Actors Guild all get screeners, as does the Golden Globe-selecting Hollywood Foreign Press Association and various critics' groups.'" Remember, movie piracy doesn't just hurt actors, but also camera operators, key grips, makeup artists, and costumers.

Comments

Re:Easier solution

[Anonymous Coward]

I've seen tracking numbers on screeners before, but usually the group who releases it smudges a couple numbers out before uploading it -- so the ID can't be traced back to anyone.

Also, I think there are literally thousands of Academy screeners sent. It would be a real bitch to do.

Re:Easier solution

[dapuk]

This has already been done - by using dark dots in a specific pattern on some frames....

See here and here

Though that site seems a bit dead right now - so just have a look at google

Re:As much as I hate the MPAA,

[NanoGator]

"Piracy happens become the product/work/whatever isn't free in the first place, and some people would rather thieve it than buy it."

Correction: Piracy happens when something is unreasonably priced and there's an audience for it. Piracy isn't a big issue here in the USA. The price is a little on the high side, but still affordable. DVD retailers are making money quite comfortably. Now, go somewhere with a lower cost of living, and piracy is rampant.

Piracy is an extension of supply and demand, though the MPAA or RIAA will never admit to that.