Question from a reader:
Why are similar posts still continuing in short videos even after fast movies posted on YouTube were deemed copyright infringement a few years ago? If no titles or spoilers about the ending are used, does that mean it won’t be considered copyright infringement?

Considering the Copyright Issues of Fast Movies and Short Videos

Recently, fast movies and short
videos have become popular on YouTube. These styles condense elements of films into brief presentations and are enjoyed by many. However, since fast movies were flagged for copyright infringement a few years ago, there are various legal concerns surrounding them. In particular, many people seem to wonder whether it constitutes copyright infringement if there are no titles or spoilers about the ending. Today, I would like to delve deeper into this topic.

What is a Fast Movie?

First, let’s briefly explain what a fast movie is. A fast movie refers to a video that summarizes the story and characters of a film in a short amount of time. Typically lasting from a few minutes to about ten minutes, they are created to convey the essence of the movie to viewers. Initially, I thought, “How much can you really understand in such a short time?” but surprisingly, many of them are quite interesting.

What is Copyright Infringement?

Now, let’s touch on copyright infringement. Copyright is the right that creators have over their works. In the case of films, everything from the script, music, visuals, and performances is protected by copyright. This means that using any of these without permission can likely lead to copyright infringement.

The Legal Issues of Fast Movies

A few years ago, fast movies were targeted for copyright infringement primarily because their content contained a large amount of elements protected by copyright. Specifically, the unauthorized use of visuals and audio was a significant concern. As a result, many YouTubers and creators experienced content removal or account suspensions. Now, what’s concerning is the question, “So, is it okay if we hide the title and ending?” To be honest, this is not a straightforward matter.

The Concept of “Fair Use” in Copyright Law

Copyright law includes the concept of “fair use.” This refers to situations where the unauthorized use of copyrighted works is permitted. For example, uses for criticism, educational purposes, or news reporting fall under this category. Whether works like fast movies qualify as fair use is a very difficult judgment. Specifically, factors such as the amount used, the purpose, and the impact on the market are considered. While it may seem that avoiding the title and ending means avoiding the main parts of the work, if the copyright holder claims, “This is my work,” it becomes legally challenging to contest that.

The Current State of Short Videos and Their Risks

Recent short videos, especially those that convey content in a very brief time, also carry a high risk of copyright infringement, similar to fast movies. Particularly on platforms where short videos are popular, like TikTok and Instagram, there are many cases where movie clips or music are easily used. A friend of mine, who is a YouTuber, posted a short video using a scene from a movie and received a warning from the copyright holder. They thought, “This should be fine,” but the law is not that lenient.

Personal Thoughts and Future Outlook

Now, I would like to share my personal thoughts. I find fast movies and short videos to be a very enjoyable form of creative expression. However, we must not forget the legal barriers that exist. The concept of copyright exists to protect creators, so it cannot be ignored. In the future, I hope for an environment where creators can produce content more freely while respecting copyright. This will likely require a reevaluation of copyright laws and the development of new creative expressions.

Conclusion

The copyright issues surrounding fast movies and short videos are complex and do not have simple answers. The interpretation of the law and judgments of fair use are very difficult and case-by-case, so creators need to understand the risks involved in producing content. Additionally, as viewers, it may be important to consider the copyright issues behind these contents while enjoying them. As someone involved in the entertainment industry, I wish to continue thinking about this theme. If you’re interested, let’s have a discussion together!