bdboston said: "The bootleg topic has been bantered about (pro and con) for a long time. I remain fascinated how "one-sided" it is. I always assumed it's illegal for anyone to take bootleg audios/videos... but why is it more widely accepted (or conveniently overlooked?) when actors/musicians in the actual shows take the recordings themselves? I have several friends in shows (both in NY and on tour), and have seen many videos/clips taken by them/their colleagues from the wings during the performances. These bootlegs are usually posted on the company's private Facebook page, etc. The same goes for the taking of photos. We all hear/read the warnings "No photos allowed of curtains, scenery, costumes, etc.," yet I have seen countless photos taken by actors of such things. I only know of one instance within my circle of friends where one was reprimanded for taking photos backstage of costumes, and she was asked to remove them from social media. I would think what's illegal for the paying audience is also illegal for those we're watching on stage, unless there's some exception to the rule I'm unaware of. "
Here's the reality of the situation. Nobody has ever faced criminal charges for recording a Broadway show. If a camera or phone is visible/distracting, an usher may notice it and ask/tell the patron to stop. Repeat offenses could lead to the patron being asked to leave.
Producers used to care about keeping backstage photos under wraps, but with the rise of social media, they see it as free publicity. Company members are invited to share photos videos of backstage antics (including sometimes from the wings) as long as it doesn't paint the show in a negative light. A perfect example of this is the Cats revival. Up until this production, sharing photos of actors in costume for strictly forbidden, and don't even think about taking a photo of yourself or someone else in "half cat." Now, feel free to make a timelapse video of yourself getting into costume and makeup and put it on Instagram!
There is a legitimate complaint that pretty much all actors have about the obvious use of cellphones during the show, because of the light and audible distractions. But generally speaking, actors are vain and actually WANT to see and hear recordings of themselves. The only folks I've encountered who have a beef with it are the name-above-the-title types.
As for creators of the show, they tend to care more about illegal distribution of sheet music and cast recordings than anything else, as that can actually create a dent in their revenue stream.
Updated On: 7/14/17 at 11:03 AM
