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Studios Tussle with Piracy

Premature 'Ratatouille' galvanizes film brass; execs try to wrap up illegal distributors

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2007 8:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – Hollywood is scrambling to crack down after a recent spate of online movie piracy: Disney's "Ratatouille" and Michael Moore's "Sicko" have each surfaced on the net before theatrical release. Studios have been ramping up pre-release screenings to build buzz, which the Journal says makes it easier for camcorder-wielding pirates to bootleg films.

But the studios are fighting back. In a noir turn, Weinstein Co. has hired PIs to track down the sicko who pirated Moore's film. And many execs are turning to online security companies to flood the net with fake copies of new movies, a move the music industry premiered during the Napster days.

This image, provided by Disney and Pixar Animation, shows a scene from "Ratatouille," the story of a rat that loves to cook and gets his chance by teaming with the klutzy human garbage boy in the kitchen... (Associated Press)

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Studios Tussle with Piracy

Premature 'Ratatouille' galvanizes film brass; execs try to wrap up illegal distributors

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YouTube Working on Pay-Per-View

In talks with studios for movies, TV

YouTube Creating 'Day in the Life' of the World

User-generated documentary will record July 24, 2010

Beyoncé's Label Blocks Her YouTube Channel

For Sony, piracy is piracy no matter where

YouTube Clip Wins Movie Deal

Panic Attack! will be turned into a $30M feature

'Screw' Those Soviet Hockey Players: Kid

Pint-sized coach recites Kurt Russell's speech from Miracle

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Studios Tussle with Piracy

Premature 'Ratatouille' galvanizes film brass; execs try to wrap up illegal distributors

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Related Links

YouTube • piracy • film studio • movies

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

YouTube Working on Pay-Per-View

In talks with studios for movies, TV

YouTube Creating 'Day in the Life' of the World

User-generated documentary will record July 24, 2010

Beyoncé's Label Blocks Her YouTube Channel

For Sony, piracy is piracy no matter where

YouTube Clip Wins Movie Deal

Panic Attack! will be turned into a $30M feature

'Screw' Those Soviet Hockey Players: Kid

Pint-sized coach recites Kurt Russell's speech from Miracle

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?