Documentary Film Makers and Fair Use

Documentary film makers rely heavily on the use of others' works, many of which may be under copyright. Other issues arise out of a possible need for right of publicity clearances. Depending on the relationship with the subject, this may be tricky. A group of documentary film associations, in conjunction with the Center for Social Media, has just released a Statement of Best Practices in Fair Use. The statement details four different types of sitautions and reviews the possible application of fair use to them. Interesting reading.