Posted: 3/6/18 at 1:29pm
You said the "Nobody likes a rat," mentality is why Harvey Weinstein's actions were covered up, even though the mentalities applied to bootleg circles and Hollywood sex scandal circles are drastically different ideas.
Updated On: 3/6/18 at 01:29 PM
Posted: 3/6/18 at 1:31pm
Phantom4ever said: "Nobody likes a rat is commonly heard as snitches get stitches and it's one of the main reasons why some communities cannot break the cycle of violence---the minute anyone speaks up, they are either shouted down, killed, or like the OP, intimidated into silence.
I surprised so many on here are saying "well my friends don't mind it so why should you?" argument with bootlegs. I hope you all get to sit next to a bootlegger with his cam out at every show you attend."
Most of the time you wouldn't even know they are doing it. Especially in the winter with coats and purses being great decoys.
Posted: 3/6/18 at 1:31pm
nfrjikgovf said: "Several of these bootlegs contain work of friends of mine. Do I go to Equity?"
Chances are good that your friends would love to see/have the video.
Posted: 3/6/18 at 2:06pm
Don't report Sondheim! He is known to want bootlegs from his shows. But, some actors in the shows are known for the bootlegs. We have Scott Wise to thank for that Act One of Carrie.
But also, why tell? If it wasn't for bootlegs I wouldn't have heard "A Broadway Musical", as fantastic score of Strouse and Adams, or have seen what "Merlin" was all about. They are horrible quality, but it's something. I would never pay anyone $100 to see a bootleg of Book of Mormon, where 1/4 of it is a head in front of me, but I would spend $20 to see a video of "Good Vibrations", a musical that we will never see again...ever.
Updated On: 3/6/18 at 02:06 PM
Posted: 3/6/18 at 2:07pm
I have never heard of anyone charging $100 for a bootleg.
Posted: 3/6/18 at 2:37pm
LizzieCurry said: "I have never heard of anyone charging $100 for a bootleg."
Yeah, usually more like $25 is standard.
Posted: 3/6/18 at 3:02pm
Report the dealer of the bootlegs to me! I will be very angry when I buy some...for evidence, of course.
Posted: 3/6/18 at 3:04pm
nfrjikgovf said: "I don't have a problem with trading bootlegs per se, I understand why it happens. My problem is people making money of other people's intellectual property. What is the best way to stop this?"
"I have no problem with someone trafficking in stolen goods as long as they trade them for other stolen goods and not cash". You're just a regular paragon of virtue aren't you? It might interest you that the law considers something material of value in the same way it considers cash so whether you receive something material of value or actual cash in return, when you "trade" your bootlegs, you're still selling them. Your moral compass might need recalibrating.
Posted: 3/6/18 at 3:06pm
The person I"m talking about is selling bootlegs that they didn't even master. I understand why MASTERS would sell them to break even. I don't understand selling bootlegs you didn't even film and can't claim any "property" over.
I have zero problem with bootlegs. I have watched them myself. But you are really missing out if you have the opportunity to see a live show and choose not to because it's not the original cast, WHICH SEVERAL PEOPLE THINK IS RIGHT.
Posted: 3/6/18 at 3:11pm
nfrjikgovf said: "The person I"m talking about is selling bootlegs that they didn't even master. I understand why MASTERS would sell them to break even. I don't understand selling bootlegs you didn't even film and can't claim any "property" over.
I have zero problem with bootlegs. I have watched them myself. But you are really missing out if you have the opportunity to see a live show and choose not to because it's not the original cast, WHICH SEVERAL PEOPLE THINK IS RIGHT.
If you have zero problems with bootlegs and you have zero problems with the creators selling them, then as others have advised you seriously need to mind your own business. This tiny niche you appear to have carved out about what you feel is "not right" is ridiculous.
Posted: 3/6/18 at 3:12pm
Where's the link? I want to buy some 
Posted: 3/6/18 at 4:18pm
Click the link below to file an official complaint with the producers:
[CLICK HERE]
Posted: 3/6/18 at 4:39pm
But you are really missing out if you have the opportunity to see a live show and choose not to because it's not the original cast, WHICH SEVERAL PEOPLE THINK IS RIGHT.
People watch bootlegs for lots of reasons. A big one is it's often the only recording of a show that is long gone. I have watched bootlegs of shows that I was only marginally interested in so didn't want to shell out hundreds of dollars for.
Posted: 3/6/18 at 4:39pm
Hush Hush
Hush Hush
Hush Hush Hush Hush Hush Hush
Hush Hush
Hush Hush
To you!
Posted: 3/6/18 at 9:45pm
What’s so awful about sitting next to a filmer? I’ve “heard” usually the people sitting next to them have no idea they’re filming.
Phantom4ever said: "Nobody likes a rat is commonly heard as snitches get stitches and it's one of the main reasons why some communities cannot break the cycle of violence---the minute anyone speaks up, they are either shouted down, killed, or like the OP, intimidated into silence.
I surprised so many on here are saying "well my friends don't mind it so why should you?" argument with bootlegs. I hope you all get to sit next to a bootlegger with his cam out at every show you attend."
Posted: 3/6/18 at 10:16pm
Posted: 3/6/18 at 10:19pm
Phantom4ever said: "So this board seems to be in agreement that filming broadway shows is totally fine."
Our opinion is irrelevant, the filming is illegal. That is not what the thread is about.
Posted: 3/6/18 at 10:51pm
JSquared2 said: "Cindy, you know by tattling on your friends you're really just tattling on yourself. By tattling on your friends you're just telling them that you're a tattletale. Now is that the tale you want to tell?"
Posted: 3/7/18 at 12:01am
Posted: 3/7/18 at 1:05am
Is this a joke? Delete this. Don't be a snitch.
Posted: 3/7/18 at 2:21am
dramamama611 said: "Broadway Joe said, "Nobody likes a rat."
I hate these kind of comments. While I don't personally feel like THIS is something to rat on, that sentiment is why the Harvey Weinsteins get away with what they do. (And many other instances, people,. etc.)
"
The phrase to me means more mind your own business and that fits to me in this situation. Why get involved in a situation where it has no real affect on yours or anyone else's life? Just to be a pain in the ass and get someone in trouble? Nobody is suffering from Broadway bootlegs.
The phrase doesn't work for me at all when it comes to the Weinstein stuff. If you're the one who is being hurt obviously telling people about it isn't snitching.
Updated On: 3/7/18 at 02:21 AM
Posted: 3/7/18 at 8:36am
Recording of a show is illegal plain and simple. Selling bootlegs are illegal plain and simple. I'm amazed how many people can pick and chose which laws they would follow. I would have no problem what so ever turning in someone filming during a show I was at or in. If standins want a copy of the show they're working for I'm sure they can get a copy of the show from the production team. You want to record a show, get the person that you're recording's permission and the writer and the producer. This is not about being a "snitch" or a "tattletale". You don't own the property rights of someone else's performance. This is white collar crime. I would not want someone, that I did not give permission to, filming/videoing me without my knowledge. If you don't like the laws change them.
i don't believe for an instant that Dramama was trying to equate the #metoo movement with this issue. Silence gives way to acceptance in any instance large or small.
Posted: 3/7/18 at 8:38am
You can't blow both hot and cold- our preservation of Shakespeare is based almost entirely on the bootlegging culture of the era in which he lived. Is it ideal? No, it is not. Is it a reality in the preservation of theatrical ephemera? Yes it is.
I've leaked the boots of at least two of my own shows, because it's better to have sixty people know your show than have it disappear from the consciousness entirely.
Posted: 3/7/18 at 9:24am
If you someone who would be upset because their IP is being bootlegged they should complain if they feel so inclined. The rest of us should not police others (which is generally a good rule in life) unless asked for help.
Personally, the only bootlegs I watch are youtube videos of shows I have already seen as a 'reminder' of the experience (like an OBCR). I have tried and get nothing out of watching a bootleg of a show I have not seen.
I do wish the unions, etc. could come up with a financially viable say to pro-shoot shows (I think I own every show ever pro-shot) in the same way that cast recordings are financially viable.
