Independent Lens

Copyright Criminals

In the past 35 years, technology has made it possible for almost anyone to sample and remix beats and melodies into new creations. But when those original beats and melodies belong to someone else, the irresistible force of creative freedom meets the immovable object of intellectual property law. COPYRIGHT CRIMINALS looks at arguments on all sides of the debate.

Copyright Criminals - Trailer

30s

Copyright Criminals examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law, and (of course) money. The film traces the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry.

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