Copyright Criminals (2009)
Copyright Criminals examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law, and (of course) money. This documentary traces the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry. For more than thirty years, innovative hip-hop performers and producers have been re-using portions of previously recorded music in new, otherwise original compositions. When lawyers and record companies got involved, what was once referred to as a “borrowed melody” became a “copyright infringement.” The film showcases many of hip-hop music’s founding figures like Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Digital Underground—while also featuring emerging hip-hop artists from record labels Definitive Jux, Rhymesayers, Ninja Tune, and more.
Directors: Kembrew McLeod, Benjamin Franzen.
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Aesop Rock as Self |
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George Clinton as Self |
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Chuck D as Self |
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El-P as Self |
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Sage Francis as Self |
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Pam the Funsktress as Self |
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Bobbito Garcia as Self |
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Miho Hatori as Self |
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Shock G as Self |
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Mix Master Mike as Self |
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Prefuse 73 as Self |
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DJ Q-Bert as Self |
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Pete Rock as Self |
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Hank Shocklee as Self |
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DJ Spooky as Self |
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Clyde Stubblefield as Self |
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Saul Williams as Self |
| Sound | Annie Lin | Music |
| Sound | Brooke Wentz | Music |
| Directing | Kembrew McLeod | Director |
| Directing | Benjamin Franzen | Director |
| Crew | Benjamin Franzen | Cinematography |
| Writing | Kembrew McLeod | Writer |
| Production | Benjamin Franzen | Producer |
| Crew | Ross Sebek | Cinematography |
| Production | Kembrew McLeod | Producer |
| Crew | Dave Willadsen | Visual Effects Editor |
| Production | Kembrew McLeod | Executive Producer |
| Editing | Sarah Franzen | Editorial Production Assistant |
