Andre Yoskowitz
16 Nov 2008 20:30
Richard Craig Lissaman of Calgary has become the first Canadian convicted under new movie pirating legislation for his decision to film the movie "Sweeney Todd" at a local movie theater last year.
Lissaman pleaded guilty on Friday and was sentenced to 12 months probation and a large fine of $1500 CAD.
The guilty party is now also banned from going to any movie theater as well as from owning video recording equipment (including a cell phone with the capability) while he is on probation.
Judge Skene said that Lissman's crime was comparable to someone shoplifitng a cart of meat knowing that they will resell it for a profit.
"You can say he and his pals will watch the movie, but he has an item that is more supportive of taking something to be used to make a profit," said the judge.
"It's not a simple theft of an item for personal consumption."
The motion picture industry was delighted by the ruling and admitted they spent six months investigating before having the authorities arrest Lissaman.
"Canada is a hotbed of movie pirating, which is a billion-dollar loss to the movie industry," Mark Christiansen, executive vice-president of operations for Paramount Picture's motion picture distribution.
"The perception is that Hollywood stars are the only ones hurt by this, but it affects everybody who works in theatres."
Virginia Jones, director of policy and legal affairs for the Canadian Motion Picture Distributors Association, added, "We would have liked to see jail time, sending a stronger message. We hope this is just a starting point."
"But under old copyright laws, it was difficult to prove what had occurred."