Hi, I want to create a small fan site for a celebrity actress. Reason for doing so, is that this actress is not wayyyyyy to popular, but really has no "official site". I want to be the first too create it. If i was to start this from scratch, how does a individual like me stay safe? For example, I obviously wish to post a picture gallery and video gallery. How do I know I following all the copyright issues? Can I create my own vid clips? For example, I see her on the late night show, and wish to produce a clip and post it on my site? Sites like this (which will probably generate no REAL revenue), do I have to worry much? Worse comes to worse, I have a lawyer telling me to take certain content off and thats that? Thanks
They'll be revenue...but just not great revenue (not enough for anyone to want to actually bring me to court and sue me)....something to add to my network of sites is why I want to build it...I feel like if I build 30-50 small sites like the one I plan with this celebrity, then the more chances I have of having greater revenue.
http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/search/overview/index.html#25 It's a different story if the celebrity in questions chooses to sue in court.
Actually, if the celebrity in question is not up there yet, you might want to write to them directly and tell them your plans for your site. They may be more than flattered that someone recognizes them. They may even provide you with materials which you can use for your site. Although not actors, I've got to know a number of upcoming musicians on MySpace and they are pretty happy that I acknowledge their work. I am sure if I wanted, they will be more than willing to provide me with their information because at this stage, any publicity will definitely benefit them greatly. They even gone to the extend of telling me to share their CD around because at this stage, being known is more important then making money. Write to them, you may be surprise and what they can help you with.
Any revenue - ads, donations, membership will make the site "commercial". Pictures have an automatic copyright and you will need permission to use the photos or videos. Using their name in the domain will almost always put you at risk, but the .com would likely be the first target.
Thanks to all the replies. Interesting stuff. This is actually a pretty good idea. I might just do that or build the best unofficial site so their Publicist won't even bother taking me to court. I found this link: http://www.contactanycelebrity.com/articles/how_to_contact_celebrities_using_official_and_unofficial_fan_sites.htm From that article: Their advice is just to build it and worse comes to worse, their publicists will make you take the site down....but I see no reason for that if the unofficial site I created gains lots of her fans and brings her free publicity. Thanks
There is a small percentage of celebs who actually sue over these things. HOW many celebrity sites are out there, using trademark names, countless numbers of copyrighted photos... etc, and are making a KILLING from them.... Do a search for "paris hilton" or "jessica alba" and see how many fansites turn up that are obviously doing so illegally... If you need more help, talk to "honey" on here, she must have at least 100+ fansites, and can definitely help you out on the legal end of things.