For now, my faith in the US copyright laws is restored. I had a bit of a bout trying to get this interview with Tommy Wiseau re-posted on YouTube after it was yanked, and even got a bizarre letter from Wiseau’s…people? I’m not sure who I was talking to, since we’re apparently on a first name basis. Here’s the exchange, it’s good reference if you ever find yourself in a similar situation with YouTube or various Eastern European filmmakers. By the way, this is funnier if you read it outloud as Tommy Wiseau:

To Whom It May Concern:
RE: “The Room” / Copyright /
CC: Chris Ward

If you can please send us the link to view the material. At this point we don’t know if the error occurred. [NOTE: YouTube randomly scans for copyrighted footage "thumbprints" and then contacts the owner, regardless if the footage falls under Fair Use in the US Copyright Laws. So Wiseau hadn't even seen the video when it was pulled] “The Room” content and other images are copyrighted and Wiseau-Films did not give any permission to use any material to the WorldfWardCrap, if they use any footage of “The Room” they are in violation of copyright in the United States, and any footage related to persons, must be  approve by Wiseau-Films in writing for public viewing; at this time our records indicated that the WorldfWardCrap do not have any permission to use any footage /images /person(s) from “The Room” or any permission to air publicly it (them). [NOTE: I have zero idea what this last sentence means.]

Sincerely,

John, Adm./Wiseau-Films

I really hope that Tommy Wiseau is really John. Because that would be awesome. My reply:

John,

Greetings to you, sir. The video in question simply matched YouTube’s “content ID”, which simply takes down videos that match a certain “thumbprint” using an automated system, even when the video in question may not break copyright law. In fact, my video and interview with Mr. Wiseau, who graciously agreed to answer questions about his new film for my website, is legally protected because it falls within the “Fair Use” provision of the copyright regulations, as defined in 17 USC 107. In fact, I believe this video does much to promote The Room and its fanbase without detracting from the original source material.

I thank you for your time! Any questions, please just let me know. If you have any questions or need something cleared up, please email me and I’ll be happy to discuss. And, as always, I am always happy to talk to Mr. Wiseau.

Best,

Chris Ward

Hi Chris: [NOTE: I LOVE THIS! It's as close to "Oh, HI Chris" as I'll get]

RE: “The Room” / Tommy Wiseau

Sorry, but you do not have any permission to use any footage from “The Room” and as you know you need a waiver/ the permission to use publicly any footage related to Tommy Wiseau or “The Room.”[NOTE: From my Broadcast Law Professor, the Rock Doctor Roger Sadler: "As for the interview itself, you are fine.  You conducted the interview, and it's your property, so you can do with it as you please.  They agreed to be on camera, and thus they gave you their implied consent to be recorded."]

Tommy Wiseau did not sign any agreement to show any material related to “The Room”  or Tommy Wiseau.  You or your company must submit your clips for review and approval process to Wiseau-Films, before any airing, and you have to respect our Guidelines, and copyright laws in the United States of America.

At this point you are or your company is an violation of  copyright laws in the United States of America. [TRANSLATION: "In THIS country, it don't add inches to your dick...you get a LIFE SENTENCE fer it."-Jack Nicholson, The Departed]

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
John, Adm./Wiseau-Films

Hi there,
In accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, we’ve completed
processing your counter-notification regarding your video. This content has been restored and your account will not be penalized.
Sincerely,
The YouTube Team

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