Lucasfilm permission???

Well you see I want to make a series of 10 min Star Wars films and put them up on youtube. But I have been told that I need permission from Lucasfilm to post Star Wars movies on the internet. But other people have said that I don't.

I'm confused as to what i need to or can do so if anyone could help me out here I would greatly appreciate it!

-Mando in training

 

LFL generally gives tacet approval to fan film projects as long as you don't make money out of it.

Make your movies and post them on YouTube. If LFL has a problem they'll ask YouTube to yank them. If it's stuff of the calibre on this site (ie. for general exhibition) they're unlikely to care.

 

Simply put, it's completely 100% illegal. Never think it's not.

As for if Lucas and his empire care. They don't. They even seem to encourage it with their atoms film fan film contest.

So do it. You won't get a call or a letter from the lawyers. Just make sure to give credit to the man.

That's why these boards exist.

I'm not even sure why I'm telling you this...

 

If you don't have permission, George Lucas will send his goons after you so fast you won't have time to wonder why your Boba Fett underoos are tied to a flag pole again.

 

I had this question a long time ago. I went straight to the source (electronically that is). I sent a few e-mails to LucasFilms and asked the question straight out,"Can I make a movie based on Star Wars as long as I don't make money off of it in any way?"

Yes, you can make a series of Star Wars films and post them. I think the YouTube scenario is a little unique though. I would send an e-mail to YouTube and ask them. You would be surprised that it is actually very reasonable to expect a response and you will probably get one within a couple weeks.

My suggestions are these:
1) Send an e-mail to LucasFilms. They should have a way to contact their Publicity/Advertisements department and they used to have a link to their Copyright department but it has been a while since I sent my first message to them (and several crashed hard drives ago).
2) Send an e-mail to YouTube. Explain in detail what you want to do so there are no misunderstandings.
3) Keep a soft-copy AND a hard-copy of any replies you receive. This is your safety net in case the "new guy" at the YouTube copyright department or LucasFilm legal department can't cause problems.

I have found in life that saving one insignificant seeming e-mail can save the day.

Use caution and don't make assumptions and all will be fine.

v/r
Crimsus

 

Lucasfilm will not care about some SW-related shorts on YouTube as long as it's not porn and not "hyperspace exclusive" footage. Earlier this year, YouTube removed a bunch of fan films and other SW-related material and Lucasfilm actually jumped in and demanded that YouTube put the videos BACK UP.

Don't waste time writing lawyers and such. Unless your films are in some way offensive or derogatory, Lucasfilm will never care. FanFilms.com wouldn't exist if they did.

 

^ Woah I didn't know that! Lucasfilm fights for us!?

 

I never got permission or some Lucas blessing to make "Revelations" they knew about it and didn't hunt me down or send trooper to break my knees as they smashed DV tapes of my movie in front of my pouring tears. Go by these unwritten rules:
Just be respectful, toe the line, give credit, and do not slander or try and profit from it and you will be just fine.