trasformer movie

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orb3

i have no idea of the legal aspect of this so i need to ask. I am a vfx/3d artist working for films.

A little idea popped into my head some time back about making a transformer movie, meaning a movie about machines that can transform into other machines. I understand that all rights of transformers is owned by Hasbro, so question is -

Can i even make it ?

can i call call it "transformers : the dark code !" , i don't think so , right ?

if i don't call it "transformers" , use some other name for robots but still have machines that change form, could i still be sued ?

something along the lines of this .. it is a old video so please don't laugh :blush:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oo5YwaGQnQ

or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmLFp-Pkm4k
 
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Loved the first link, cool.

I'm not an attorney.

No, you obviously cannot call your short/demo Transformers or include 'Transformers' any where in the title.

My understanding is that a transforming robot visual can be used without infringing on Hasbro's Transformers copyright provided it is clearly original and different from any of the Transformers characters.

Eg check out this Citroen C4 ad:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhtGBaEOEVs
.
 
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thanks IndiePaul, glad you liked it .. !

yes i think you are absolutely right .. if i can come up with my concept designs for robots and stay clear of the "transformer" name , i should not have any problems.

what do you think about fan films ? can a "transformer" fan film be made ? i have seen fan films of all sorts , batman, wolverine, star wars .. do you still need permission and pay them somthing for it ?

oh yes i have been a fan of those Citron commercials for a long time .. one of my main inspirations actually !
 
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Hasbro is a relatively litigious company. I'd think for a long time before you do anything that could step on their license or potentially (in their eyes) damage their brand.
 
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The Asylum makes low budget versions of just about every blockbuster
released.

http://www.theasylum.cc/product.php?id=128

220px-Transmorphers2.jpg



As far as fan films; there is a blurry line. It is technically illegal but
very few copyright owners object legally. So you can make a fan
film with a reasonable assumption that you will not be sued. You
are also very, very limited as to where and how you show a fan film.
 
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"transmorphers"..haha interesting, and they dint get sued for that ?

I get the idea now , fan film will mean more instant recognition, more youtube hits etc, but i cant show it in a film festival or release it as a dvd as technically its not "original work"

On the other hand if i do my own concept, it will be difficult to sell, but then i can do whatever i want with it.

Thanks to all for their input. I understand the legal aspect of filmmaking a little better now !
 
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Dint know there was so much "knock off" artwork / toys out there. Thanks. toys are very helpful if you are making a transformers kind of thing in 3d, the second video i made was actually a based almost completely off a toy.

screw a fan film...
Click to expand...

yes ..i am leaning towards that. And since i have the skill (i mean the vfx part), i should do something of my own. Could be the next Fede Alvarez !! :)
 
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