AboutAlexander Hodgkiss Expertise I can answer questions on what shareware and freeware to use for projects of any kind, and where you can find it. I've worked with several types of Shareware/Freeware software including SplashUp, Zoho, Google, Audacity, Pligg, and many others on various projects and environments both web-based and on the desktop. So if you need help with working in one of these environments I am willing to give a hand. Also, I've worked in developing some freeware software in Flash and ActionScript in case there is a need.
Experience I've worked on several projects where I used Shareware/Freeware software as my source for programming, graphics, 3D, video/audio engineering, and for web-based development as well.
Organizations OSITY Media Group, IGDA, IDMAA, Creative Commons
Publications Gamasutra
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media, specialization in Interactive Systems
Masters of Fine Arts IP in Visual Language & Interactive Media
Past/Present Clients Red Bull, ZeitGeist Games, University of Central Florida
Question Is it illegal to stream free movies online without actually downloadind or saving them or paying for them? Alot of different arguements out there but I would like to know the law on that.
Thanks
James
Answer Howdie James,
This is a really difficult issue so this may be a long answer.
When you mean free movies, do you mean you're streaming them for free, or do you mean movies that are in fact free?
If you mean a movie that is free and you don't need to purchase, then you have limited concern. While you should ethically get permission from the producers of the film, you are able to stream it. In some cases though don't be surprised if they complain.
Now, if you're streaming online for free a movie that you need to purchase, then you definitely have a problem. If you haven't purchased the movie in any capacity, that alone warrants an RIAA investigation because now they're going to wonder where you obtained the movie. By streaming it though, you are violating copyright and trademark law. That's a federal crime that has potential for fines and jail time. Plus, it can be argued that your streaming of the movie is hindering the sales of copies of the movie by the producers, which brings with it a whole other sleuth of fines and additional jail time.
The only way around this is if you have explicit permission by the producers to stream the video online. Honestly, if you don't have that in writing and signed by a notary, don't stream the movie. Even if it's just for friends; you never know what could happen or who could pass by the link on a random chance.
