Pixel Film Studios' Offensive MLK Promotion

I received this in an email today from store.pixelfilmstudios.com .




Just seems inappropriate, gross, and probably a copyright infringement.

Pixel Film Studios showed their true colors long ago when they ripped off Motion VFX's mDust, and when they released the utterly crappy PROCUT-X app with claims that they'd keep updating it and were in active discussions with Apple about getting low-level hooks into FCPX so that it'd be more than a glorified key command transmitter. They specialize in spewing out as many crappy products as possible with slickly-produced promo videos that misrepresent what they are capable of. I deleted the few products I bought from them long ago and avoid them like the plague they are.

So yes, this promo is offensive. But that's completely in character for PFS.

I totally agree.

-Andreas

Agreed.

They could also get sued by Dr. King's estate for trying to profit from that speech. They do not meet the exceptions.

"Unlicensed use of the speech or a part of it can still be lawful in some circumstances, especially in jurisdictions under doctrines such as fair use or fair dealing. Under the applicable copyright laws, the speech will remain under copyright in the United States until 70 years after King's death, therefore until 2038."

Yeah, I already reported them. I called and emailed.

Daniel Rutledge wrote: I received this in an email today from store.pixelfilmstudios.com .

Only one email from them today? I'm sure there will be a follow up email later today.

In general, you cannot legally use ANYONE'S likeness to promote your product or services without their permission. There is something called "right to privacy and publicity" that comes into play. Also, most people don't realize that "fair use" does not apply to the endorsement of products or services. It has more to do with use in news stories or reviews. Someone's "celebrity status" is a product that they own and therefore is not available for others use without permission and/or compensation.

I see PFS has once again set the "bar" on how low they can go. I am surprised that they have not come on the forums and tried there ever famous damage control. I wonder who they will blame this on, one of there over zealous interns again.


Just know that not to many people here use there stuff.

Take care Daniel and don't let PFS get your goat.

Dave