Copyright Criminals (2009)
Copyright Criminals (2009)
This is a Sampling Sport
Copyright Criminals examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law, and (of course) money. This documentary traces the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry. For more than thirty years, innovative hip-hop performers and producers have been re-using portions of previously recorded music in new, otherwise original compositions. When lawyers and record companies got involved, what was once referred to as a “borrowed melody” became a “copyright infringement.” The film showcases many of hip-hop music’s founding figures like Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Digital Underground—while also featuring emerging hip-hop artists from record labels Definitive Jux, Rhymesayers, Ninja Tune, and more.

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Cast

Aesop Rock Aesop Rock As: Himself
George Clinton George Clinton As: Himself
Chuck D Chuck D As: Himself
El-P El-P As: Himself
Sage Francis Sage Francis As: Himself
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Storyline

Copyright Criminals examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law, and (of course) money. This documentary traces the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry. For more than thirty years, innovative hip-hop performers and producers have been re-using portions of previously recorded music in new, otherwise original compositions. When lawyers and record companies got involved, what was once referred to as a “borrowed melody” became a “copyright infringement.” The film showcases many of hip-hop music’s founding figures like Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Digital Underground—while also featuring emerging hip-hop artists from record labels Definitive Jux, Rhymesayers, Ninja Tune, and more.


Tagline: This is a Sampling Sport
Certification: PG-13

Details

Genres: Music, Documentary

Language: English

Release Date: 21 May 2009

Country: US

Runtime: 65m

Company Credits

Company: Changeing Images

External Links

Cast

Directed By

Writing Credits

Production Crew

Benjamin Franzen

Benjamin Franzen

Producer

Kembrew McLeod

Kembrew McLeod

Producer

Kembrew McLeod

Kembrew McLeod

Executive Producer

Edited By

Sarah Franzen

Sarah Franzen

Editorial Production Assistant

Costume and Makeup

Not currently known.

Sound

Visual Effects

Not currently known.

Camera

Not currently known.

Lighting

Not currently known.

Art Department

Not currently known.

Other Crew

Benjamin Franzen

Benjamin Franzen

Cinematography

Ross Sebek

Ross Sebek

Cinematography

Dave Willadsen

Dave Willadsen

Visual Effects Editor

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