copyrights and "fair use"

[Daniel Weber]

Hello to everyone,

This is my first post.

I have a simplex XL 35mm telecine projector and soundhead, 3:2 pull down, genlock etc that I'm testing in a non-traditional way with a 3 chip broadcast camera upside down and behind the film with a copy lens projecting onto the ccd for good contrast. A small cool light as opposed to the hot factory lamp. I'm thinking of hanging an HD camera on it and providing affordable high def telecine services. Does anyone here know if the concept of fair use relates to films? As I understand one can make one back up copy of digital/volatile media to preserve it and also just to change it to a more convenient format like audio CD to mp3. Maybe someone here knows if this has been tested in court.

Thanks,
Dan

[Jeff Sumberg]

I would think, that unless the film is PD, the studio that owns the film [rights] would argue that you have no right to possession of the 35mm print in the first place. Therefor that shoots down your entire concept or reason for a backup.

[Dave Harris]

There are plenty of 35mm reels in the right possession of collectors. Copying rights have nothing to do with whether you are in rightful possession. Copying a film is prohibited if it is copyprotected. No "back up" exception for films that I have ever heard of.