Watch Copyright Criminals

Copyright Criminals is a documentary film released in 2009, directed and produced by Benjamin Franzen and Kembrew McLeod. This visually engaging and thought-provoking documentary explores the impact of sampled music and copyright infringement on the art of music-making. With interviews and commentary from a variety of top musicians such as Quincy Jones, George Clinton, De La Soul, DJ Premier, and Chuck D from Public Enemy, the film covers the evolution of sampling from its origins in the 1970s to its widespread use in modern hip-hop and electronic music. Aesop Rock, one of the most acclaimed underground rappers of the past decade, narrates the film and provides a personal look at how sampling has influenced his own art and career.

The documentary begins by examining the legal and ethical issues surrounding sampling, including the debate over whether musicians should be allowed to get away with using parts of another artist's work without permission or compensation. It also explores the sometimes blurry line between creative inspiration and outright theft, and the impact of technological advancements on the availability and ease of sampling.

The film includes a unique blend of historical footage, personal interviews, and music from both well-known and underground artists. Viewers are treated to rare clips of original funk and soul artists whose music has been sampled in some of the most iconic hip-hop songs of all time, as well as live performances and studio sessions from producers and musicians who have built entire careers around sampling.

One of the most interesting themes explored in the documentary is the role of sampling in democratizing the music industry. Many of the producers and musicians featured in the film come from humble beginnings and were able to use sampling as a way to create something new and unique, while also paying homage to the music that inspired them. Many of these artists have become household names, in part because of their ability to skillfully use samples to tell their own stories and express themselves creatively.

At the same time, the film raises important questions about the rights of artists whose music is being sampled, particularly when it comes to fair compensation. The filmmakers interview artists who have been sampled without their knowledge or consent, and explore the complex web of copyright law that governs the use of existing music in new works.

Despite the controversies and challenges associated with sampling, the film ultimately celebrates the power of music to bring people together and inspire creativity. In a particularly poignant scene, the filmmakers show a group of young musicians working together to create a new song using only samples of George Clinton's music. The scene illustrates how sampling can be a collaborative and unifying force, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to create something new and exciting.

Overall, Copyright Criminals is a fascinating and engaging documentary that will appeal to anyone interested in the art of music-making, as well as those interested in the legal and ethical debates surrounding intellectual property. The film offers a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the complex issues surrounding sampling, while also celebrating the power of music to inspire creativity and connect people across cultures and generations.

Copyright Criminals is a 2009 music movie with a runtime of 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.