Class 1

So you've assembled some materials, checked out examples of good and bad trailers, and you're ready to dig in, right? HOLD UP. Just one thing stands between you and your first trailer...but it's so important that it warrants First Class placement (pun intended) before we go any further.

  Using Others' Images/Music in Trailers

If you plan to snap all your own photos (or, at least, use your own book cover), write your own musical score, and do your own voiceover work, you're in good shape. However, most of us aren't able to wear so many different hats in order to produce our trailers, and must rely on content obtained elsewhere. Before you do, it's important to know the legalities.

  Copyrighted Images/Model Release

Any photo you did not take--or image that is not your own original artwork--should be assumed protected by copyright. What's more, any photo you DID take that contains a recognizable likeness of someone else requires permission for use as well.

Two common misconceptions I've seen:

1. I Found It On The Internet, So It's Fair Game.
Nope. The Internet as a whole is not considered Public Domain.

2. I Found The Image/Music on a Site That Says "Okay For Personal Use."
You may be a "person," but a book trailer does not constitute personal USE. It's an advertisement for a product you hope to profit from. That's business use, any way you slice it.

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