A tongue and cheek quest to find out what's ‘fair’ in fair use, and how copyright owners abuse the system to suppress artists online.

Free Art (for) Free People is a critical look at the Canadian copyright system and how it protects (or inhibits) creators. The system as described by our subjects from (almost) opposite ends of the opinion spectrum, Sam Cheng a copyright librarian and Dr. Pee a roaming musician who hardly believes in any sort of property, highlights the often confusing, contradictory, and hypocritical nature of copyright.

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Documentary subjects

Dr. Pee

A spectacular musician whose played as a member of several bands: The Dinner is Ruined, Magna Cum Loud (Niagara’s longest surviving Indie Band), and as a part of the Gord Downie and the Country of Miracles tour. Dr. Pee is an avid believer in the abolishment of copyright law (or at least some heavy revisions) and a creator of, as he says, "Free music, for free people."

Sam Cheng

Sam is Sheridan's very own Copyright Librarian! With a masters degree in Library Information Studies and a certificate in copyright from HarvardX Sam has been helping students navigate the copyright system for 11 years! Sam has been essential to the creation of our film not only by helping us understand the complex subject of copyright law ourselves, but also by sharing her knowledge as a subject in the film.

ARRGGHHH​ Movie Nights 

Meet the Crew

Rowan Mikolic-O'Rourke - Director

​Hey there! I'm Rowan, the director of the doc. I've always had a fascination with the intersection of art and law because of how incongruous the two subjects are to each other. Law is a system of rules created to control/limit behavior while art is a form of expression that allows people to go beyond the limits of the real world, and often rebel against the institutions presented to us. Copyright is the amalgamation of this strange relationship, born to protect artists while also creating the perfect weapon to strike down creativity (as all art is built on art). Examining the quirks of the system and trying to unravel the whole thing has been a great experience and I'm stoked to share our findings!

Alex Darling - Picture Editor

My name is Alex and I’m the editor for Free Art (for) Free People. I’m excited to bring this project to life, especially as someone who has to navigate copyright daily in their creative pursuits. Hopefully not so much while editing this doc!

Scrim - Researcher/Writer

Hey there, i’m scrim, co-writer for HOW! this film has been such a unique experience and i’m excited for everyone to see what’s going on

Hannah Bennet - Producer

Hi I’m Hannah! I’m the producer for Free Art/Free People and working on this doc has been a great experience and I’m looking forward to how the doc finally turns out.

Brandon Kane - First AC 

Hi, I'm Brandon and I was the first AC for this documentary! It was really fun to be a part of and I cant wait to see unfold.

Aidan Clarke - Production Design 

I’m Aidan I was the production designer for the doc, it has been an exciting time watching this project evolve.

Jacob Lea - Director of Photography

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Kolton - Sound Recordist/Assistant Sound Editor

My name's kolton and i'm the sound recordist and assistant sound editor. Copyright is a confusing subject that I'm excited to help bring to light!

Benny - BTS photographer

I’m Benny! i was behind the scenes camera and video for this doc! copyright messes so many creatives up and i would like to help put an end to that, that’s why this documentary is so important!

PRODUCTION DAY 1 - BEHIND THE SCENES

PRODUCTION DAY 2 - BEHIND THE SCENES