ABSTRACT
6 “The digital age has provided audiences with unprecedented access to digital media. The ease with which media can be downloaded or copied directly to disc has created many new legal challenges. In a recent radio campaign, Pizza Hut offered a free Disney DVD with the purchase of a large pizza. With audio/visual media being demoted to “Happy Meal” status, it is not surprising that the general population disregards copyright law; however, content developers cannot afford such a view. Animation studios employ music supervisors and arts lawyers to protect themselves and the products they make. It is easy for student and independent filmmakers to feel insulated from the legal issues associated with screening or releasing a project, but the consequences for copyright infringement are substantial regardless of the size or nature of the project. It is important, therefore, to become educated in legal matters pertaining to the contents created for a sound track.
