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MPAA’s Dodd calls for effective copyright protection

February 10, 2014

By Colin Mann

Senator Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), has called on the global film community to stand up for effective copyright protection to encourage cultural and technological innovation, job production and economic development.

Addressing a gathering of of filmmakers, legislators and policy makers from the Produzenten Allianz (German film producers) at the Berlinale film festival, Dodd said the film and television industry was standing at a crossroads which would determine its future for years to come.

Dodd added: “We owe it to future creators and filmmakers to ensure they have the same opportunities as those who came before to be part of this remarkable industry.”

In addition to his remarks about the importance of copyright, Dodd also discussed how globalisation and new technological developments are helping to bring the world together as information and culture are now more easily shared among people living in different regions of the world.

Dodd told the audiences that “new technology has made the international exchange of cultural and entertainment content faster, easier, and increasingly, a two-way street,” highlighting the fact that there are more than 400 legal online global distribution services available in countries around the world for watching many of the world’s best films and television shows.

Dodd also touched upon the growing global nature of film production during his remarks, highlighting films such as Monuments Men and The Grand Budapest Hotel which are showing at this year’s festival, and the lasting power of movies on cultures around the world.

“We remember the stories that tackle the important social, international, or moral questions of the day, leaving an indelible impression long after their theatrical run – reminding us all, once again, that regardless of race, religion, or nationality, we all live on this small planet together,” he concluded.

Categories: Articles, Content, OTT, OTT, Piracy, Policy, Regulation, Rights