Posted July 8, 200420 yr Link Controversial film-maker Michael Moore has welcomed the appearance on the internet of pirated copies of his anti-Bush documentary Fahrenheit 9/11 and claimed he is happy for anybody to download it free of charge. The activist, author and director told the Sunday Herald that, as long as pirated copies of his film were not being sold, he had no problem with it being downloaded. “I don’t agree with the copyright laws and I don’t have a problem with people downloading the movie and sharing it with people as long as they’re not trying to make a profit off my labour. I would oppose that,” he said. “I do well enough already and I made this film because I want the world, to change. The more people who see it the better, so I’m happy this is happening.” Moore’s views have not been well received by Hollywood’s establishment, which is fighting a war against the online pirates it claims cost the industry £1.6 billion a year in lost sales. Jack Valenti, the outgoing president of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), said: “We are proud that American films continue to enjoy immense popularity around the world but the need for copyright protection in the digital age is crucial to the preservation of our most prized trade asset. “Piracy is having a dramatic impact on the creators and copyright owners of this nation, and its defeat depends largely on the commit ment and resolve of the entire industry. “File sharing causes tremendous financial loss to the movie business, untold hardship to support workers, and costs thousands of jobs.” Distributed via websites such as suprnova.org, which lays claim to having served more than 17 million downloads, Moore’s documentary critique of the Bush administration’s red, white and blue rush into war with Iraq is among the web’s hottest properties. Thousands of copies of Fahrenheit 9/11 have already been downloaded, each taking about 3.5 hours over a broadband connection. Ironically, the burgeoning underground market for Moore’s much-debated documentary has been championed by both sides of the political divide. While left-wing sites promote the film’s message, opponents of the high-profile polemicist are urging people to “steal” their copy, thus denying its director his cut of the profits. Last month the website of producers Lions Gate Films was subjected to a barrage of attacks by hackers, with one creating a link to a download destination on the site’s front page. Despite up to 150 people simultaneously bagging free copies of its most valuable property at any given time 24 hours a day, Lions Gate says it has no plans to oppose the practice. While unwilling to make any official statement likely to further provoke Hollywood’s heavy hitters, the film company appears to have fallen into line with its director’s laissez-faire approach. Moore said: “Is it wrong for someone who’s bought a film on DVD to let a friend watch it for free? Of course it’s not. It never has been and never will be. I think information, art and ideas should be shared.” Defenders of Moore’s position include Pulp Fiction director Quentin Tarantino, who earlier this year encouraged audiences in countries where his films are not legally available to obtain counterfeit copies. The furore engulfing Moore is just the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the film. Almost smothered by original production company Miramax’s refusal to distribute the final cut, he also this year launched an unsuccessful legal attempt to overturn the MPAA’s decision to give the documentary an “R” rating, which barred under-16s from seeing the movie without an adult. Opposed by Move America Forward, a conservative group set up to dissuade cinemas from showing the film, Fahrenheit 9/11 has become one of the most controversial productions in Hollywood history. Last month Australian distributors Hopscotch Films claimed to have received e-mails warning that if the company went ahead with its planned release of the movie, it would do so “at our own peril”. The hubbub is unlikely to subside any time soon. With Lions Gate reporting that DVD rights are likely to be won by Disney-owned Buena Vista Home Entertainment, many commentators believe the digital distribution network may yet face serious opposition. Valenti said: “Nobody can allow their rights to be stolen because, if you can’t retrieve your investment, you’re out of the movie business, “I don’t think there’s really a single actor or director in the world who does not believe that if you don’t combat piracy, it will devour you in the future.” http://www.sundayherald.com/43167
July 8, 200420 yr pirating movies is no good, half the fun is seeing it with friends. and it wont be the same if its on ur small 17'' monitor
July 8, 200420 yr pirating movies is no good, half the fun is seeing it with friends. and it wont be the same if its on ur small 17'' monitor Get a job -> buy a TV or a bigger monitor -> joy.
July 8, 200420 yr I was currently downloading Moore's movie but after reading this I stopped to cancel it BECAUSE DOWNLOADING MOVIES ISNT FUN WHEN ITS LEGAL :(
July 8, 200420 yr i personaly dont care if its legal or not, and if he opposes or not, im dling anyway
July 8, 200420 yr weather its legal or not nobody will give a fuck and just dl it anyway like every other movie and game out there.
July 8, 200420 yr i personaly dont care if its legal or not, and if he opposes or not, im dling anyway lol same here. i got a bigscreen in the back and I just use my vidcard for input output and voila.... movie on tv :)
July 8, 200420 yr that movie sucks newyz its not a documentary its a propeganda Don't start that bullshit here. There's like 5 other threads about it.
July 8, 200420 yr Michael Moore and Gabe Newell should start a band. and a mighty fine band indeed... :gaysex:
July 8, 200420 yr Don't you see what the fag is doing, he's trying to swing the masses his way for the upcoming election. He's power-hungry. Encourages piracy, heightened welfare, etc. Costs everyone WAYY too much tax dollars. GL nubs, read more into things before you change your views so quickly.
July 8, 200420 yr if he's condoning distribution of his movie over the internet why doesent he release an online version with better quality than the shitty 14 yr old with a handicam. stupid moore.
July 8, 200420 yr Techno_Warrior']if he's condoning distribution of his movie over the internet why doesent he release an online version with better quality than the shitty 14 yr old with a handicam. stupid moore. stfu nub perfectionist
July 8, 200420 yr Does anyone have a link to 9/11. I tried a bittorent link but the d/l was taking 60+hours so fuck that...anyone have a site or something?
July 8, 200420 yr my comp moinitor is a 42 inch plasma screen tv :D i got a 42 inch plasma tv too. i use input/output cable to connect it up. and a remote control mouse..... sweet
July 8, 200420 yr I doubt that the movie company that invested all the money to make the movie would allow him to make that kind of offer, but whatever
July 8, 200420 yr I downloaded the movie from suprnova.org. Moore makes me laugh...his editing is funny....and he sounds like a pedophile. "Hi kids, you want a nice greasy cheeseburger from uncle Mike?" This film won't help Kerry get in office. Looks like everybody's stock options will always be next to nothing. sux0rz John Edwards as vice president??!?!?! lol hahahhahaha double fux0red!! I don't like Bush...but he will be in office again and Moore can make another Fahrenheit 9/11 part 2 which we can all laugh at. Moore=epitome of irrelevancy.
July 8, 200420 yr I doubt that the movie company that invested all the money to make the movie would allow him to make that kind of offer, but whatever The company that produced his film was actually a small town (Halifax.. wher e I live.. in Canada :O) production company called Salter Street films... They're just glad to have all of the publicity.
