Copyright 038; wrongs

The film industry is starkly split over proposed amendments to the copyright act,which are set to finally bring a measure of fairness to the question of credit and compensation. In the current system,the creativity and labour of composers,songwriters and scriptwriters are sold miserably short. Industry practice so far has been that they sign over their copyright to the producer for a one-time payment and entirely let go of their work. But so reluctant are film producers to let go,that they have threatened an indefinite strike unless the amendment is slashed,claiming this anti-entertainment action would kill the industry. The Film Federation of India is even considering cutting songwriter Javed Akhtar out entirely,by refusing to give him any work,for daring to champion the amendment. The producers claim that nobody shares in the losses,so the profits should remain theirs which is a specious argument,since the songwriters and screenwriters are simply asking for a portion of whatever fate awaits the film. For instance,the success of a movie soundtrack depends on the combined efforts of the singers,the songwriter,the composer,the actors,the director,and many others. And yet,all of these people have to cede their control at the initial contract stage,and watch from the sidelines if the song goes on to become a viral sensation,rakes in money on TV or radio or through ringtones. In the media environment we live in,there are many points where revenues can be wrung out,and if the copyright amendment goes through,it would give these other artists independent rights over their contribution and royalties. Establishing moral rights for performers would not only acknowledge their authorship,it would also curb the twisting of their intent for instance,many old-time composers who bristle at their work being crudely remixed might actually have a say in the matter.This friction over the copyright amendments is only to be expected,but this kind of selfish industrial action should not deter us from updating our copyright law for the digital millennium,and making it a fairer arrangement.