Drawing from paused DVD frames

[andymania]

I was wondering if you paused a scene from dvd, did an image capture on your computer and use the image as reference for like a movie poster for example, would that be permissible or is that also on the lines of copyright infringement?

[Elwell]

Depends on the usage, purpose, and degree of difference.
On a technical note, you'll need special software to do screengrabs from DVD's, as the regular menus and key commands won't work. There are lots of freeware solutions, though.

[Mirana]

Why are you asking these questions anyway? You should only really be concerned if you plan on making money with said works. If this is personal study, it's not really an issue.

[andymania]

Am I not allowed to be curious? If not I apologize.

[MarkHarchar]

Andymania, you don't need to feel like people are being combatative. Statements in one line forums are often taken in different context than they were meant. I am sure Mirana was simply trying to state that it is not a legal concern if you are looking at using them as study material. Right?

As far as the copyright and making money part, I have had this same question. If you go and read through the US copyright laws, they are very very very restrictive to the point, IMO, that if you make any image today, you may infringe on someone, somewhere sometime. I believe that it is something that needs to be addressed on a case by case basis. I believe that you would have the same issue doing a direct copy of a movie frame as you would if you did a direct copy of a professional photographer's photo if you tried to sell the copy. If it is simply reference, then you are fine. If it is a mod of the original, now you are into the "the courts might have to decide" realm.

[andymania]

I understand. I was just curious to his first question:
"Why are you asking all these questions?"

[Mirana]

(^ chick)

Because the answer to that question would be the answer to how much concern you should have over legalities.

[kingshaj]

it can be a fantastic resource ---for those practicing story-boarding (or any sequential art) or certain modes of illustration

i think cinematographers aren’t tapped into enough ....as a source of inspiration
for visual story telling,

beyond that the legality should be moot...in that there is little value of a digital reproduction of a film frame...you wouldn't be sued, most likely because no one would take much notice of such work....youd be poo'pooed
that is to say ...it would be hard to make a name for your self with that type of work...to gain a level of notoriety that would put you on a production companies radar...you might get a "cease and desist letter" though. id be more concerned about employability (perhaps that is what Mirana meant )

[andymania]

Yeah King, it's especially great for storyboarders. As for Mirana, I was just curious that's all. No concern over legalities. Nothing more nothing less.