Can i use a film screenshot?

What are the title says actually. I was wondering if I am allowed to use a screenshot from a feature film a game.

You would need permission from whoever made the film.

Correct you would need permission. So the answer is pretty much no, as permission typically means licensing, and it is rarely cheap.

When it comes to copyright, it is usually safest to assume the answer is no. There is an exception made for fair use, but this normally requires some level of satire, which is typically not what is intended. You’re better off avoiding using screenshots from anything in-game, or doctoring up your own “parody” screenshots. Basically, it’s not worth the trouble, and can lead to some serious financial consequences, so best not to risk it.

Forums are good for discussion of copyright law, but not for getting clear and concrete permission, because copyright law is complete and depends on both context and your specific use of the copyrighted material. For example, a single frame from a film could be covered under “fair use”, or you could conceivably use it as part of a protected parody of the work. On the other hand you could easily use a single frame in a manner that is not protected at all, landing you in hot water.

Getting the opinion of a lawyer who specializes in copyright law is the best bet, and they will want to know in detail what the context is with regard to the image. IANAL

If you don’t want to pay a lawyer, nor want to learn the ins and outs of “fair use” or parody as it pertains to all of the countries you intend to market your game, then it is something you should avoid doing.

(IANAL either.) But I would add that typically fair use exceptions refer to the work that the infringing material is being used in, not the use of the work inside that context. It would be very difficult claim fair use (editorial, parody, etc) in product that as whole isn’t the one being claimed. If your game isn’t a parody as whole, you can’t really claim use within is parody.

Best just to skip it. Asking a lawyer may be helpful, but won’t prevent a lawsuit.

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This is important ^^^

A lawyer will be helpful in determining if your use of the material is defendable, as in are you likely to win in court. Since anyone can sue anyone at any time for any reason, even if the lawsuit is doomed to fail, a lawyer’s opinion can’t actually prevent you from ending up in court. If your financial situation can’t handle defending yourself in court, even if you’re likely to win, then just avoid this line of thinking entirely.

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According to the human anatomy we all implement that interface. :smile: (sorry)

And you guys told everything, so not much I can add. Make your own background images, or hire a graphic artist who draws them for you. You can make references to the films, but don’t use the exact setup and exact screenshots from the movie.

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Yeah you could but it’s not worth the hassle.

Thank you all for the helpful advice!