Comics/Graphic Novels Portfolio

[Julie]

Hi Ant
My understanding of what role the Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) plays is based on a definition in Australian Book Contracts (3rd Ed) published by the ASA.

It says that CAL "manages both statutory and voluntary licences in the copying of works by third party users such as educational institutions, government and corporations. Authors, journalists, visual artists and publishers are eligible to become CAL members ..."

VISCOPY is specifically a visual arts copyright collecting agency. Another ASA publication called Between the Lines: A Legal Guide for Writers and Illustrators written by Lynne Spender tells us that "{VISCOPY] negotiates copyright related transactions between artists and users for reproduction of artistic works in advertising, publications, newspapers and electronic media including TV, film, the Internet, CD Rom and DVD. It handles associated contracts, negotiations, legal requirements and distribution of royalties from contracts".

Furthermore, Lynne tells us in the book that "there are several provisions within the Copyright Act that specifically cover the copying of artists works. Artists, illustrators and photographers can apply for membership of CAL as 'authors'. Visual artists can optionally, or also, apply for membership of VISCOPY...If visual artists are members of VISCOPY but not CAL, money collected by CAL for copying their work (eg for illustrations in a childrens book) goes to VISCOPY for further distribution."

It would pay comics artists to join both organisations and for comics writers/graphic novelists to join CAL. I would also recommend you look into Public Lending Right (PLR) and Educational Lending Right (ELR), which I will talk about further in another post.

BTW, any creators joining the ASA for the first time will get a complimentary copy of Between the Lines as part of their new membership package.

Hope that answers your question, Ant.

[/i]

[antains]

Julie,
Thank you for that.

I've worked in educational institutions, on and off, for the last 7 years, which is why I'm familiar with CAL. Given our sometimes sheltered lives, it probably explains why it's CAL I've only ever really heard about! And APRA, but that's another story.

I'm a bit of a supporter of the rights of authors, no matter which medium. As part of my work, I have to report a lot of copying to CAL and I know that they're effective.

From what you've written, VISCOPY is a good bet for the folks here.

Hope I don't sound like a Zoot Review interviewer.

Cheers,
Ant.

[Julie]

[Julie]

[Paul Bedford]

Hey Julie,

Been meaning to get back to you since we met and had such a great chat at Supanova. Sorry for the delay - I've been fighting off major publishers from all over the world telling them that I refuse to whore out my work...ok, so maybe that's not true. Not in the slightest.

Simply, I'm all for what you guys have set up and think that everyone on this bloody board should become a member (treat your work like gold, people!). For my part, could you direct me to where I might get an app. form specifically for this portfolio (if indeed there is one)?

Would write more, but I just got another singing telegram from Dark Horse begging me to sign with them so I have to escort him off my front porch with a shovel. They'll try anything!

Cheers,

Paul.

[Julie]

[Julie]

[Jessica McLeod]

[Julie]

[Julie]

CALLING ALL WA COMICS CREATORS!

Jozef and I are keen to get to Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth this year to talk to comics creators about the ASA Comics/Graphic Novels Portfolio.

It turns out that by a wonderful stroke of good luck (and very short notice!) I will be visiting Perth from Thursday 24 to Sun 3 Feb 2008 where I'm hoping to meet as many WA comics creators as possible to discuss this initiative.

Jeremy Fisher, ASA Executive Director, has raised the possibility of formalising the portfolio session through the auspices of WritingWA. However, the lead up time has been so short, that it may not be logistically possible for this to happen.

If this doesn't eventuate, our second scenario (thanks to Jessica McLeod who has kindly taken on the role of coordinator) is to organise an informal session at a central location in Perth. We have not set a date, time or venue yet so please be patient. The projected dates are Thursday 31 Jan to Sunday 3 Feb (am) so if you are interested please keep your calendar open.

In the meantime, here is a preamble for the event:


ASA Comics/Graphic Novels Portfolio

The Australian Society of Authors (ASA) [incorporating the Society of Book Illustrators (SOBI)] invites Western Australian comics creators to attend a special comics industry meeting to discuss the recently formed ASA Comics/Graphic Novels Portfolio.

What is the ASA Comics/Graphic Novels Portfolio?
The portfolio is a special interest group that aims to provide industry support to Australian artists and writers currently working in the comics medium and, in particular, the graphic novel format. The major objectives of this new portfolio will be to:

(1) Protect and promote the professional interests of comics creators (both writers and artists);
(2) Form a professional community of active members who operate in this specialist discipline; and
(3) Liaise and cross-pollinate ideas with like-minded Australian and overseas organisations whose focus is on the promotion of the comics art form.

Who should attend this comics industry meeting?
Established and emerging writers, artists, pencillers, inkers, colourists and letterers working in the comics medium and its various formats (comics periodicals, graphic novels, zines, webcomics etc).

Why is it important to attend?
This is an opportunity to set the agenda for a new advocacy group looking after the professional interests and the rights of comics creators, and to find out the benefits of joining the ASA.

Who is the presenter?
One of the two portfolio holders, Julie Ditrich, comics writer/editor of Black Mermaid Productions (www.blackmermaid.com) will be presenting the session. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Julie worked part-time for 13 years at the ASA as Publications Manager.

When is it being held?
Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Venue: TBA
Special Instructions; TBA

Love to see you all there!

J

[Paul Bedford]

Hey Julie,

Will these visits coincide with Supanova (Melbourne)? If not, do you have any details as the when/where? I'm keen to attend.

paul.

[Julie]

Hi Paul,

Yes, the plan is to host these sessions at Supanova. We've applied for funding to hopefully get an airfare for me to Melbourne and one for Jozef to get to Brisbane. Fingers crossed that this will happen.

We're prepared to rough it to get down there in case hotel/motel accommodation doesn't work out, so any offers from kind comics creators for the use of their floors, bunks, couches or tents will be gladly accepted and appreciated.

We really BELIEVE in this project and we need all your support through ASA membership to make it all happen.

J

[Julie]

[Julie]

[Julie]