Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

HotHolly · **disney & free digital copy -** 02-25-2009, 11:49 AM

Thought I'd just add to this thread something I noticed. I may be outa the loop. I never watch commercials b/c we have tivo, but ive been sick for 3 days and laying on the couch half conscious.

Anyway, I noticed that Disney has started offering their DVDs with a FREE digital copy.

In lots of other things, Disney has been one of the last to change. Im not sure if they are one of the 1st here or not in the movie industry.

Anyway, we're always talking about how to keep the client from copying our product. Im sure this decision was based on a similar issue since kids want movies on their ipods and what have you.

We dont sell digital files normally. We do give away free wallets with print purchases - so they hand those out to people. They can have as many of those as they want. They have the clients name on them, the year, and our web address. We also started giving low res files for facebook or myspace. Basically, they are a digital copy of the free wallets.

Disney's move surprised me. I suppose there is no way to do an add on sale for the product and it does help control the digital copying. What do you think? How does this relate to the photo industry? Just thought I'd throw this out there.

HeatherLou · 02-25-2009, 12:01 PM

I actually got a free download with a bluray that we got a few months ago. I have yet to download it. LOL! The thing that you notice is that you have to PAY for the movie first before you get the free copy. So in essence, they are getting there money. I also think you can only download the free copy once.

I do sell a CD with print release, but only with the largest packages that I offer.

Too bad you can't make a file that you want put on the computer, but block the print option for it LOL

kenw · 02-25-2009, 12:08 PM

IMHO, the writing is on the wall, and I've pointed it out several times: the days of selling only prints are numbered. Those who figure out how to sell digital copies will succede, those who don't will be left behind.

How to do it? I dunno. But it is inevitable. The RIAA almost killed themselves over the same issue via DRM. And it appears they're still stabbing at themselves.

photonewb · 02-25-2009, 01:42 PM

you'll also notice that most of the ones with a "Free" digital copy of the movie...are actually 2-3 dollars more than the one that doesn't come with the digital copy. It's not really free.

I've been getting them with all sorts of movies, Family Guy Blue Harvest was the first to do it. My wife has Wall-E on her iPhone.

Batman, Ironman, Hulk, Wanted, Rambo etc etc...the list is HUGE of movies that are doing this now.

HotHolly · 02-25-2009, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by photonewb

you'll also notice that most of the ones with a "Free" digital copy of the movie...are actually 2-3 dollars more than the one that doesn't come with the digital copy. It's not really free.

I've been getting them with all sorts of movies, Family Guy Blue Harvest was the first to do it. My wife has Wall-E on her iPhone.

Batman, Ironman, Hulk, Wanted, Rambo etc etc...the list is HUGE of movies that are doing this now.

Thanks for that info. ;o)

groovyone · 02-25-2009, 01:55 PM

EVen if it is free, it is a one time use item. You can download it to one device and one device only, then the code is no good anymore, so don't delete it.

z-monster · 02-25-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groovyone

You can download it to one device and one device only

Ahhhhh the awesome power of DRM. Plus Richard is right, you paid an extra dollar or two for that availability. I would hardly call it free.

photonewb · 02-25-2009, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groovyone

EVen if it is free, it is a one time use item. You can download it to one device and one device only, then the code is no good anymore, so don't delete it.

to clarify tho, many will allow you to redownload to the SAME account.

I've had issues where I've lost something and I was able to download it again via iTunes to my account. I think each code is linked to a single account, but you can grab it a few times.

stacyreeves · 02-25-2009, 05:11 PM

For me, my clients are young college grads, they're tech-savvy, they're used to instant gratification, and they don't have a lot of respect for copyright. Rather than resisting that, I've just gone with it, and I include the digital files in all of my packages. I don't mind losing the print sales because I never really liked fulfilling them in the first place, plus I charge enough upfront to make it worth my while. I upload them to facebook myself, and tag my clients, so that I control how they get branded and which images show up. I'm well aware that many of my clients are making copies for their friends or relatives, which is totally against the print release I give them, but I accept that because in return I get to be the cool, understanding, hip photographer who they refer to all their friends (and I've booked a lot of people specifically because of it).

It just depends on your clientele and your business model. If your clients are older, or not very tech-savvy, or love your work so much they'll put up with anything to have you, then you can be a little more strict about how you handle the digital files.

gtakacs · 02-25-2009, 05:33 PM

Wall-E came with two discs. One was the DVD the other one had a set of DRM managed media files that you had to use special software to play. I'm not sure if we're talking about the same thing, but I thought it probably works for people who are not computer savvy. For people who know better there is always AutoGK, DVD Decrypter and AnyDVD....

I give my clients full limited personal use rights along with the digital originals after a paid session. I'm in the service industry not in the manufacturing industry. For event photography where I don't charge an hourly fee I watermark every image on-line but offer the option to purchase the digital originals.