What is so bad about bootlegs? — Page 10

"the most grateful for and the first to buy bootlegs"

I call utter and total BS on that statement.

---

"That definitely didn't happen--fansubs still were widely distributed even after the anime was licensed. However, Japan had different laws about it than the USA did, so that was the loophole."

Absolutely and they now happen (digisubs) nearly instantly--though this has caused a lot more studios to release--often online--their official product just as quickly (of course that leads to illegal downloads...)

I agree that it didn't fully work but in the case of anime fansubs certain studios, like Studio Ghibli actually said they would turn a blind eye unless they found them being done for money--in many ways the huge anime boom of the past 15 years would have never happenedwithout fansubs--John Lasseter who brokered the Disney deal with Ghibli said he would have never seen the films without fansubs. So there was some benfit to the studios--it's debatable how much they lost and how much they gained.

That probably doesn't have any relation to theatre bootlegs--I'm not sure if anyone has thought that it would be worthwhile to make a commercial video or recording due to the amount of bootlegs are out there for a show.

My point, however (again), is the argument "it's wrong because it's illegal" isn't cogent.

Then, why hide to do it? If people think that bootlegs are a right to the development of culture, they should stand up for it, fight for it, make a case for it.

I don't know of any movements to fight the right to record a performance and make a good case for it.

This is the case of "good doings that come off as wrong doings".

Think it should be allowed? Then fight for it, don't hide with a camera under your jacket. If not, then you're just doing the right thing in your head.

---

In reality I think ALL SHOWS should be filmed and released theatrically after a show is closed. This would be new way to expose BROADWAY to millions of people. I would of loved to of seen "Grey Gardens" but I am not rich! Me and millions of other people will never make it to New York. By playing shows Theatrically, on HBO and DVD producers could easily recoup their investment. Also it would make BROADWAY a bigger destination for people who could afford to go.

---

Kad--

To answer a question from way up thread, the archival videos made by most regional theaters on AEA contracts require that the actors vote/sign off, and are permitted to be made. But they're strictly archival and not for distribution (the rules MAY have changed on actors acquiring them since the new media language was instituted, but I'm not sure). I've been shot down in the past when I tried to get a recording of a show I was in.

As a performer, the worst part of bootlegging is seeing the red light(s) in the audience when recording is happening, because it takes me right out of the moment. I'm now thinking that I'd better hit this note or that note perfectly...because while the live audience sees performance nuances and details that won't translate to video, the technical parts of my job are what will be preserved and distributed. If I sing at a nightclub or NYC venue and feel like I had an off night, I can ask the event organizers to take down the video. Not so with the strangers behind the red lights. Or the idiots holding their iphones in front of their faces instead of actually watching the show. WTF?

Plus, it just pisses me off when people think the VERY CLEARLY STATED rules don't apply to them.

Nothing

Seeing a bootleg of Once saved me from having to get tickets to it. My wife wanted to see the show and after seeing the bootleg said "don't bother".

I may be seeing a lot of shows like that going forward as I refuse to invest any more time is seeing a ton of stuff live. After 3 high profile musicals go belly up this year, I say to myself why am I bothering. For a variety of reasons including this, I no longer have the drive and desire to see a ton of shows live. Occasionally here and there but in the long run I take the attitude why bother. Watching it from home means no contending with constant latecomers and the juvenile antics of many theatergoers.

If you like it, great. Knock yourself out seeing shows. For me, I am totally over it and the spark started in high school is gone.

---

The bad audience behavior one has to put up with is really making me consider bootlegs more and more. And some of the stuff out there is really of outstanding quality. And for me ( and now this is my opinion) ; since some theaters are giving free wifi and telling people to "silence" their phones as oppose to turning it off... they are encouraging it. Hard to tell what is a camera screen or a lit phone screen anymore. If they are making stupid choices by encouraging wifi and twitter and all that crap.. then I am ok with them suffering the consequences of the bootlegs... not that I think there are much. JUST MY OPINION.

---

I am quite thankful for them. There are many that have TONS on there and I've watched many things I wouldn't have been able to otherwise if they didn't post because most people who have bootlegs will either trade (which I have exactly 2 of) or charge a fortune.

They will continue to exist no matter what.

---

Jordan; I don't think they should be that easily available either.

---

darreyl102;

Have you seen those dead center balcony seats with no nearby aisles? That is how. Cameras are now small.. they fit anywhere. Personally I can't imagine spending money to see something live and spend the evening going thru all that stress.

---

Updated On: 7/17/14 at 08:47 PM

Mystery solved! Thank you Dame!

---

I don't usually look for bootleg versions of shows...but I did download a Matilda. After I saw the show, I could barely understand what was being said from my balcony seat..and I was not really a fan. I felt like I missed a lot of the show....the bootleg helped.

After watching the bootleg a number of times and purchasing the CD, I have since gone back to the theater to see the show a number of times...as once I understood what was going on and being said, I enjoyed it a lot more. I don't think anyone should have to watch a bootleg to enjoy a show but that's what happened in my case.

Seeing a bootleg would never take the place of seeing a show live ...but of course not everyone has the option.