CGLI Seminar: 'Copyright and creators' remuneration: an empirical analysis'
Dr Amy Thomas
The Centre for Global Law and Innovation would like to welcome you to attend a seminar on Thursday 21st March 2024 entitled 'Copyright and creators' remuneration: an empirical analysis' by Dr Amy Thomas, Lecturer from University of Glasgow.
Abstract
How much is creative labour worth? From the consumer's perspective, there is more creative content - films, TV, music, games - available (and affordable) than ever before. But, and as particularly evidenced during the recent SAG-AFTRA strikes, the largest withdrawal of creative labour in Hollywood history, this does not necessarily correlate with happy or well-paid creators. In light of these events, regulatory intervention is being considered across a range of different legal fields. In particular, copyright law is, on the face of it, a viable legal mechanism which could facilitate a fair pay for creators. By awarding a bundle of exclusive rights to creators, copyright creates a route to financial recompense. In turn, it is assumed, this award will incentivise further valuable creative outputs.
When considering regulatory intervention, it is important not to put the cart before the horse, and any policy changes should be evidence-based. As such, this presentation will consider new, empirical findings from a series of standardised surveys, to chart the lived reality of our creators, including their earnings and contractual relationships. In doing so, copyright is revealed to be an omnipresent consideration, but a relatively ineffective mechanism in the face of platform power and the UK's freedom of contract ethos. Nonetheless, wider social and economic questions remain about access, sustainability of, and diversity in cultural markets.
This seminar is open to University of Bristol Law School Staff, PGR Students and also open to the public (public welcome to attend online only). Please register. You will receive the joining link nearer to the time of the event.
Further information
If you have any questions about this event, please email the Centre Executive Assistant.
Dr Amy Thomas