ARTISTS RIGHTS PRESS RELEASE | THE FILM FOUNDATION SUPPORTS DGA COUNTERSUIT

Los Angeles (September 20, 2002) – The Film Foundation announced its full support of the Directors Guild of America’s countersuit against companies that perform unauthorized editing of videocassettes and DVDs, for distribution and sale, without the permission or involvement of the directors who make the films or the studios that own them.

The Film Foundation is aware of a growing number of companies formed for the express purpose of editing the content of films. These companies take it upon themselves – using their own judgment and personal standards – to change words and images, or add commercials to films. They then distribute and/or sell these altered versions to consumers as being “family friendly.” They not only exploit copyrighted works, but also challenge the fundamental issue of artistic integrity. Additionally, because the films’ directors continue to be associated with these unauthorized versions—albeit unfairly—these companies are misleading consumers and tainting the reputations of the filmmakers.

The Board of The Film Foundation supports the efforts of the Directors Guild of America and their fellow directors to ensure that the integrity of authorship, filmmaking and storytelling remains intact.