I write that definition because around four weeks ago, I learned that not all choreography is considered choreography—at least by the US Copyright Office. Because of the office’s unique definition, I had to make changes to my initial submission on their form. After making those changes and jumping through some scary governmental hoops, Tales from Dapple Creek finally cleared all the bars. My movie is now officially a movie of dramatic content and not a choreographic work.
What?! How can that be? TDC is loaded with human movement (both choreographed and improvised), and from my experience, I can comfortably state that it is artistic and has integrity. What’s more, choreographic tools and other considerations were used in its creation. I believe it’s a work that will be welcomed at dance performances and conferences.
The Copyright Office sent me a long list of categorized regulations for all types of works. Choreography was included in this listing, but according to them, the movement in my movie does not comply with their regulations. Thus, we own the dramatic content classification (I can’t remember the exact terminology, but that’s what it means). Plain and simple, Tales from Dapple Creek is copyrighted as a dramatic work—and I have the paperwork to prove it.
My next movie, title yet unknown, is looking like it’s going to make a mark. My dancers and I are getting deeper into the movement and clarifying details while continuing to develop the plot. Frequently when I create a new work, the preliminary activities shape the work. In this case, character development is proving to be instrumental. There are similarities with writing and I’m excited when I examine the likes and differences among artistic forms.
I learned quite a bit about video editing with Tales from Dapple Creek, but I haven’t worked with the editing program for several months. Soon, I need to go back and again explore the editing features, learn more, then go further. If I can’t do what I want to do, I may have to hire someone to help. Neither my dance company nor I have the funds to hire anyone. None of us get paid for our input, so hiring someone feels wrong. It’s a quandary because, I need to be sure the final product is worthy and has integrity. I don’t want to blow it with my limited video editing experience.
If you’re interested in viewing Tales from Dapple Creek, contact me—I’m sharing it. But, until we get through all the film festivals to which we’ve submitted, we’re keeping a close eye on the work. At some point in the foreseeable future, I want to put this movie up on this site, and I expect it will have its own home/page and life will be less complicated.
Join me and others in our Off the Marley: Discussions for the Curious events. CLICK HERE to learn more and register for an adventure.
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There’s been a lot of learning going on these days. I love it and wish I had tackled writing and film making earlier in my life. It’s just that dance kept me so busy, and I thoroughly loved it—I still love it. Now, the crossover between three art forms is amazingly rich. Dance, Movies, Writing.
