Copyright and Licensing in Documentary Filmmaking (Virtual)

Learn how intellectual property, copyright, and licensing apply to documentary filmmaking.

Copyright and Licensing in Documentary Filmmaking (Virtual)
October 15, 2026 | Online 7:00-8:30pm
A Zoom link will be shared via email 24 hours in advance
$45
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ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
In this session, we explore the history of intellectual property and specifically copyright law, as a starting point to understand license terms, the public domain, and fair use. When do you need to get permission, and pay licensing fees? Are there exceptions to copyright protection? Learn when text, image and sound can be used free of charge in your documentary film, and when it requires a license, as we dissect and understand example contracts from top to bottom. This workshop will explain the factors and prepare you for a potential claim. As an informal resource for independent filmmakers, this workshop is not a substitute for legal counsel. For legal advice specific to your needs, we encourage you to seek advice from an attorney.

TEACHING ARTIST: H. Paul Moon
H. Paul Moon, a licensed attorney in Maryland, creates films that concentrate on the performing arts. They include “Sitka: A Piano Documentary” about the craftsmanship of Steinway pianos, “Quartet for the End of Time” about Olivier Messiaen’s transcendent WWII composition, and an acclaimed documentary feature about the life and music of American composer Samuel Barber that premiered on PBS. Moon has created music videos and concert films for numerous composers ranging from Moondog to Steve Reich, and five opera films set in a community garden. His films have screened to live audiences at over two hundred film festivals around the world, with several awards and museum exhibitions. Highlights include works featured in exhibitions at the Nevada Museum of Art, the City Museum of New York and the Corcoran Gallery; PBS television broadcasts; and with Bob Holman, the Venice Biennale and the theatrical concert "Life Poem." Moon's short film "Luke DuBois: Running Out of Time" was his first documentary, workshopped with Docs In Progress in 2010. His latest film is "By George" about the Revolutionary War and monuments/memorials/statues, presented this past June at Docs In Progress with a presentation on immersive documentary filmmaking.

ABOUT DOCS IN PROGRESS
Docs In Progress believes everyone has a story. Documentary educates, inspires and transforms how people view their world. These films and filmmakers call attention to moments in history by sharing personal stories that reflect social and cultural issues found on the local, national and global stage. By developing, encouraging and celebrating new voices, we foster a supportive community of emerging and established filmmakers. We offer an array of tools, workshops, and screenings for filmmakers of all ages as well as engage our community of film lovers.

REFUND POLICY
If your circumstances change and you must withdraw from a class after registering, please be aware of our refund policy:
Withdrawal 30 or more calendar days before the first day of a program: 75% refund
Withdrawal 11-29 calendar days before the first day of a program: 50% refund
Withdrawal 10 or fewer calendar days before a program: No refund
In case of refund requests, the registrant will incur all Eventbrite fees.