The BBC writes:
"Actor Paul Newman has joined calls for the legislature in [the US state of –Nicolai] Connecticut to pass a law protecting image rights.
"Newman is among a group of actors backing a bill banning the use of a person’s image or voice without consent for up to 70 years after their death.
"…
"…added that the bill could prevent parodies of famous people and restrict filmmakers from using old footage…"
Continue reading at bbc.co.uk
70 years??
would this have any effect on photogs?
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer.
I’m guessing that it would effect all visual art disciplines, but I believe it’ll come down to how the statute is worded. The article states that 19 other states have passed similar laws, but I haven’t researched what they do and don’t cover. It may be some actor pet project and apply only to motion pictures or it might be incredibly broad.
70 years isn’t such a long time.
That said, I prefer original work anyway.