Public domain explained: Why are iconic characters getting horror makeovers? (Disney/Jagged Edge/XYZ Films)Winnie the Pooh, the Grinch, and Bambi are all getting horrifically family unfriendly movie makeovers thanks to public domain, a legal loophole that is proving to be a godsend for low budget filmmakers.Most characters and stories — known in the movie industry as intellectual property (IP) — are protected by copyright laws, but only for a fixed period of time. However, what happens when they fall into the public domain, and can be shared or used without permission or fee? The length of copyright varies from country to country, but in the UK and USA, a property enters public domain 95 years after first release or 120 years after creation.Read more: Winnie The Pooh gets twisted horror movie makeoverAlthough there’s an argument that public domain is good for creative freedom — just look at the countless adaptations of Sherlock Holmes — not everyone agrees. Every year, more and more properties enter the public domain, which can lead to legal troubles, unwanted parodies, and your favourite franchises being ripped off by poor imitations looking for a quick buck.As new slasher movie Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey lands in UK cinemas, here is everything you need to know about the new wave of public domain films.The future of public domain and what happens to your favourite franchises, explained in 12 pointsWinnie-The-Pooh first appeared in 1928 and the stories are available in around 50 languages around the world. (AFP via… Click below to read the full story from Yahoo Movies UK
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