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'Greedy' Robbie Williams caught in photo rights-grab backlash

Photographers refused to photograph the singer after being made to sign away their copyright for any images taken.

20 Sep 2006 9:53AM by ePHOTOzine | Industry News

'Greedy' Robbie Williams caught in photo rights-grab backlash

Photographers who attended Williams' performance at Milton Keynes bowl, refused to shoot the star after being presented with a contract to sign, which hands copyright of the images to Robbie Williams for use on his merchandise and promotional material. The contract was so strict, photographers shooting the performance would not even be able to use the images on their own website.

Eminent music photographer, Danny Clifford has posted an account of his experience on his blog.

In his blog he explains, "I read the contract and then rubbed my eyes and read it again.. It said that Robbie Williams was giving me the opportunity to photograph his show, but, wait for it, he would own the copyright of all of my images.. I couldn't even have the right to display the photos on my website of in my portfolio, as Robbie Williams would own the photos...."

"...any reputable music photographers wouldn't sign the contract and therefore wouldn't shoot the show."

Danny, who has been photographing musicians since 1988, explains the consequences, "the result would be, that there wouldn't be the normally plentiful great photos of Robbie out there for magazines and newspapers to use. So, no doubt the quality will slip, therefore, good old Robbie wont look as good... If that contract stays in place I will not be photographing Robbie ever again.. I would advise any photographers going to photograph him at any venues, don't sign away your copyright.. It is utter madness.."

Two German newspapers refused to take pictures at Robbie Williams' Dresden concert, instead leaving a blank space where the photo should have been.

The European Federation of journalists has urged its members to boycott Robbie Williams concerts and other events where photographers are subjected to unfair restrictions.

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Comments

u08mcb 18 5.8k

20 Sep 2006 11:46AM

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Best news item ever

ardbeg77 Plus

18 1.3k 7

20 Sep 2006 12:15PM

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And so apt that the box in the RHS simply has "Robbie Williams Image" in text!

BigCol 21 1.8k 1

20 Sep 2006 12:34PM

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It seems our local paper managed to get 'exclusive' photo's of the concert. Now I know how they were exclusive!

theorderingone 18 2.4k

20 Sep 2006 12:43PM

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LOL! which paper?

deviant 18 3.1k 1

20 Sep 2006 12:58PM

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He should be ignored by photographers full stop. Starved of the his oxygen of publicity he'll not last long.

BigCol 21 1.8k 1

20 Sep 2006 1:54PM

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The paper was the MK Citizen and the photographer was a staffer called George Olney Citizen though there aren't many photo's on the site there were quite a few in the paper.

BigCol 21 1.8k 1

20 Sep 2006 1:55PM

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I seem to remember Oasis tried something similar a few years ago.

theorderingone 18 2.4k

20 Sep 2006 2:12PM

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It happens more often than you'd think. I got presented with a similar form by The Raconteurs' PR people at Leeds festival. I walked off and shot another band instead.

The usual thing is to restrict use of the images to one publication, sometimes with a licensing grab in return for a nominal fee (normally £1).

RW's grab just takes things one step further.

daviewat 18 4.1k

20 Sep 2006 4:16PM

Like 0

That may make the ones I have of him a couple of years ago here at Rowardennan worth a few bob > Wink

)

It was when he did glasgow and stayed at the posh hotel over the loch from us but landed his big big big boat at out jetty to use the loo, seems on board one was goosed.

Got a few of him swigging BEER, teetotal huh !!! on the deck of the boat.