Copyright Criminals
“This is a Sampling Sport”
Synopsis
Copyright Criminals examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law, and (of course) money. This documentary traces the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry. For more than thirty years, innovative hip-hop performers and producers have been re-using portions of previously recorded music in new, otherwise original compositions. When lawyers and record companies got involved, what was once referred to as a “borrowed melody” became a “copyright infringement.” The film showcases many of hip-hop music’s founding figures like Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Digital Underground—while also featuring emerging hip-hop artists from record labels Definitive Jux, Rhymesayers, Ninja Tune, and more.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Copyright Criminals Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2009-01-14
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
May 21, 2009
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Kembrew McLeod, Benjamin Franzen
- Screenplay & Story
- Kembrew McLeod
- Original Score
- Annie Lin, Brooke Wentz
- Original Title
- Copyright Criminals
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 5m
- Production Studios
- Changeing Images
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Kembrew McLeod, Benjamin Franzen
Kembrew McLeod
Annie Lin, Brooke Wentz
Benjamin Franzen, Kembrew McLeod
Department Leadership Roster
Kembrew McLeod
Director
Benjamin Franzen
Director
Kembrew McLeod
Writer
Benjamin Franzen
Producer
Kembrew McLeod
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Copyright Criminals.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Copyright Criminals
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Copyright Criminals about?
Copyright Criminals examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law, and (of course) money. This documentary traces the rise of hip-hop from the urban streets of New York to its current status as a multibillion-dollar industry. For more than thirty years, innovative hip-hop performers and producers have been re-using portions of previously recorded music in new, otherwise original compositions. When lawyers and record companies got involved, what was once referred to as a “borrowed melody” became a “copyright infringement.” The film showcases many of hip-hop music’s founding figures like Public Enemy, De La Soul, and Digital Underground—while also featuring emerging hip-hop artists from record labels Definitive Jux, Rhymesayers, Ninja Tune, and more.
Who directed Copyright Criminals?
Copyright Criminals was directed by Kembrew McLeod, Benjamin Franzen.
Who stars in Copyright Criminals?
The principal cast of Copyright Criminals includes Aesop Rock, George Clinton, Chuck D, El-P, Sage Francis.
When was Copyright Criminals released and how long is it?
Copyright Criminals was released in 2009 with a total runtime of 1h 5m.
Who composed the musical score for Copyright Criminals?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Copyright Criminals was composed by Annie Lin, Brooke Wentz.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Copyright Criminals?
Copyright Criminals holds official age classifications: US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).