What are you Really Burning?

October 9th 2007

The Australian Federation against Copyright Theft (AFACT) today launched a new anti-piracy campaign aimed at challenging Australians to consider “what are you really burning” before the buy or download pirated films. Funded by the distributors, exhibitors, retail and rental stores, the campaign will feature in cinemas, on DVD’s and in store nationally.

The Australian film industry looses over $230m yearly. It is estimated that illegal DVD’s almost equal legal copies in circulation. Australians watched 47million unauthorized DVD’s vs. 52millionpurchased from authorized outlets.

Everyone is affected by film piracy; movie making is a risky business with only 4 out of 10 movies ever recouping their initial investment. Like every business, the industry relies on its profits to invest in future products. The revenue lost from piracy means there is less investment money available. Less money means fewer films are financed, which means fewer jobs are created, and there are fewer films for us to see.

Wolf Creek, Happy Feet and Kenny are the acclaimed Australian films featured in the campaign, where their posters are being burnt. Industry voices such as George Miller, Clayton Jacobson, Phillip Noyce, Joel Edgerton and Margaret Pomeranz are speaking out against film and TV piracy and its negative impact on Australia and Australians.

“Piracy basically robs the work of incredibly hardworking and talented people in the film industry and if we don’t do something about it, a precious thing will be lost” said George Miller.

Maximum penalties for copyright infringement are up to $60,500 and five years imprisonment per offence.

To report film piracy, call AFACT’s free anti-piracy line 1800 251 996.


*Source – www.afact.org.au