Legal and Ethical Issues - Chip James

When creating and showcasing a music video there are a number of issues we need to consider, regarding the content of our music video. Most notably of which is the permission for the song we are using, as if we break copyright law by using a song we haven’t got permission for, our music video will not be allowed onto public sharing websites such as Youtube or any music channels like Kerrang! Or Scuzz.

When we are creating our music video, to be able to show it on music channels, we have to fit the regulations of OFCOM, as such we need to censor particular content which they seem unfit for public viewing, this will include offensive material as well as any material which will be imitable by younger viewers which isn’t suitable for them.

The content which will need to be censored include:

· Cigarettes

· Alcohol

· Particular Food and Drink

· Gambling

· Medicine (prescription)

· Weapons

· Swearing

Any uses of these will need to be censored out either through a black on screen box, or pixilation, or bleeping if it is swearing.

The issues we raise within our music video will also need to be carefully considered as if we feature issues such as racism, sexism or violence against women or children, we will need to consider the scenes we show regarding these issues, using artistic effects to approach them sensitively or by cutting before we show content which may be harmful to some viewers.

If we feature flashing images we will need to consider the audiences which maybe be photosensitive and provide a warning message prior to the beginning of the video or within the corner of the video throughout.