Guiding Principles of Imago's Campaign

Authorship Rights for Cinematographers

Imago is to launch its Authors Rights campaign at Camerimage. The meeting will be held ay 10.00am on Friday, December 4th in the main Conference Centre. All are welcome and urged to attend. The issue of Working Conditions will also be discussed.

Imago is indebted to its Legal Council, Dr. Cristina Busch for the preparation of a document entitled " the Guiding Principles of Imago's campaign for Cinematographers Author's Rights." This document outlines clearly and concisely Imago's principle objectives in this Campaign. It is attached to this text and should be read by all members of all our Societies.

The push into the realms of European legislation and the fight for recognition of the rights of the cinematographer to be recognized as co-author of his cinematography will be led by the AEC of Spain who in the New Year will represent Imago in negotiations which will coincide with the new Spanish Presidency. It will be spearheaded by Porfirio Enriques, President of the AEC supported by Tote Trenas AEC and the Board of the AEC.This follows Imago's early November Authors Rights Conference in Seville.

In her "Guiding Principles" Dr Busch argues for Imago's campaign to be globally organized, to change the law and its practical application at both national and international level. It should be focused on pressing the EU Commission to update the harmonization of film copyright. Twelve member countries have joined since the last controversial judgement.

Dr Busch calls upon Imago and its associated societies to launch class or individual action against authors's rights infringement . A strategy is outlined for using law suits in a tactical way; for example by suing different Collecting Societies in different countries at the same time.
Dr Busch in her no holds barred document calls for a framework to be built linking Imago societies in the transfer of knowledge: for example a common data base should collect, analyze and make information available regarding national law, national collective agreements,common usage contracts and important National Court decisions.

Imago will have a vital forum to discuss conditions under which we work in Europe at a EUXXL Seminar in Vienna next May 4th-7th when Members of Parliament from the EU will be present to collate feedback from the wide ranging debates. Launching our campaign for Author's Rights in Lodz will put us in a stronger position to meet the forceful representation expected from the employers in Vienna.

Please download and more importantly read Dr Busch's "Guiding Principles." "At last Imago has been shown a path, it is up to us to use it" Nigel Walters, Imago President