As a video essayist exploring the ethical and environmental dimensions of cobalt mining, I aim to create a compelling audiovisual narrative that not only informs but also inspires action. To achieve this, I plan to incorporate existing archival footage sourced from YouTube and social media platforms. These platforms serve as a treasure trove of archival material, capturing significant events, cultural phenomena, and societal changes. However, the classification of this content as archival depends on factors such as its context, purpose, and the creator’s intent.

Since I want to use third-party content in an educational video essay, I need to carefully consider ethical and legal principles, particularly those surrounding intellectual property and fair use. The concept of fair use ( Copyright Act, 1976) permits the use of copyrighted material for purposes such as commentary, criticism, and education, as long as certain conditions are met. This includes ensuring the use is transformative and that only limited amounts of the original work are used. Nevertheless, fair use is not a guarantee that it is safe for referencing in my work, and depends heavily on context and the purpose of the work (Aufderheide & Jaszi, 2011).

Additionally, the length and context of clips matter. Short, focused clips are more likely to fall within fair use, rather than extended video sequences (Copyright Act, 1976). If I end up using significant portions of a video for my essay, obtaining permission from the content owner becomes a crucial step. However I intend to use a lot of Stock footage from Canva as I have a subscription to it.

Some YouTube videos are shared under Creative Commons licenses, which allow reuse of videos under specific conditions. I will carefully examine the licensing details in video descriptions to determine if such permissions apply (Creative Commons, 2023). Furthermore, as I am creating this video essay while affiliated with an educational institution, it is imperative to review UAL’s guidelines and existing media licences to ensure compliance.

Finally, a pivotal decision will involve determining whether this video essay is a personal project or one affiliated with the university. This distinction will influence not only the ethical and legal parameters but also how the video is received and utilised.

In conclusion, while existing archival footage offers rich material for storytelling, its ethical and legal use requires thorough research and meticulous adherence to copyright principles. This approach ensures that the final video essay is both impactful and compliant, reflecting my commitment to ethical research and creative expression.

References

• Aufderheide, P., & Jaszi, P., 2011. Reclaiming Fair Use: How to Put Balance Back in Copyright. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
• Creative Commons, 2023. About Licenses. Available at: https://creativecommons.org [Accessed 15 November 2024].
• U.S. Copyright Act, 1976. Fair Use Provision. Title 17, Section 107.