Steal This Film II

http://www.stealthisfilm.com/Part2/

Confronting those who would confront piracy. Problem is that sharing ideas is intellectual copyright infringement -- to put the point of this film in even more succinct terms. Copying is the same as breathing, it is the only way we learn, we only way we communicate, and the only way we can live.

For those who would hang the pirates, those who would rather pay $19 for a CD or $30 for a DVD to "support the artists" -- note: large and multinational distribution/production companies and other labels gobble up 50 to 99% of the income leaving scraps for the artist -- consider this: in a future without copyright people enjoy media by sharing. That is, by producing it oneself on the one hand and consuming ONLY what one WANTS for FREE on the other. Expression and contribution for those who want, mindless consumption for those who don't. And, there is a virtual end to celebrity idolatry but for those who are deserving.

Perhaps, for a time, production values go down and everything popular looks like it belongs on YouTube; but, at the same time, it opens doors for innovation, cost reduction, and expansion to new producers and support staff. It broadens the media landscape. More, better, and truer stories can be told. Meanwhile, corporate control of human experience is dispelled and (God forbid!) people can start to think for themselves again.

Sure, you still have to work for a living, maybe. On top of this, you have to LEARN (blasted mental exercise) how to create music and video instead of contributing only to the glut of criticism. However, you won't have to worry about spending $19 on a CD or $30 on a DVD. You will probably consume less of everything else too; thus saving money for the important things like food, clothing and shelter. No need to mortgage your future for a plasma TV if you're working in that artists collective in your neighbourhood six nights a week on a dance project you love. You probably won't even miss the rerun of "Lost" if you're reading two hundred pages a night of your favorite author -- with whom you'll spend the next six months discussing his latest work.

How illusory it is that the arts and other media is not work. One must fail, constantly, and learn, constantly, to achieve in the arts and associated media. If you want a pat on the head and a "Good job!" at the end of the day, and a success ratio of greater than 30%, get a "real" job. Count some beans, make clock radios, perform open-heart surgery, whatever.

Artists aren't slaves to the dollar, people are. Artists create by compulsion and are rarely, if ever, compensated. Those who are granted celebrity are living the dream, superheroes of the Dream Machine. Those who aren't are merely human. If payment follows for an artist, it is only a sign that their art is consumable. Sometimes, this means that the true artists are in the marketing department. For the sake of honesty, clarity, justice -- pirate.

Support the fight against corporate media ownership.
Support the Media Carta Campaign