Remix Culture

Lawrence Lessig's Remix discusses the ease at which internet users now a days can manipulate or "remix" other articles or videos they see on the internet. Thanks to the ease of use the internet and Web 2.0 provides, people can simply download a song and had their own special twist to it, consumers can download a video and edit it to their pleasing. For all intents and purposes, the consumer wields as much power as the original creator of the intellectual property. The use of Web 2.0 and instant availability of information to consumers has created a new mind set when browsing. People feel that any content on the internet is free and they can manipulate it as much as they wish. Lessigs "Remix" tells the story of a woman named Stephanie Lenz, who by chance uploaded a video of her infant child dancing to a song by popular artist Prince to YouTube. Lenz was subsequently sued by Universal Music Group for using their intellectual properties without UMG's consent.
The widespread availability of tools to casual consumers has created a remix culture on the internet. People now have the power to virtually change anything they wish, whether it be a Wikipedia article or a video involving a dancing baby set to the music of Prince.
The protection of Intellectual properties is very important for the IP owners, take for example celebrity photographer and filmmaker David LaChapelle, who recently sued pop artist Rihanna for using his concept art and imagery in her video for her single "S&M". LaChapelle states that Rihanna's video mimics the "composition, total concept, feel, tone, mood, theme, colors, props, setting, decors, wardrobe and lighting" of specific photographs he has produced over the course of his career.
  
Musicians should strive to create their own unique concepts for videos or at least give proper rights to those they may take inspirational cues from. French alternative rock group Phoenix creates their own unique video for hit single Lisztomania, while also paying proper tribute to those that inspired their video. The video locations are great and the camera work is beautifully done. 


As the role of the internet becomes bigger and more integrated into everyday life, consumers have developed a complex where by they feel entitled to any content online. Consumers feel they can freely utilize or edit any content on the internet, regardless of the original owners intent. In some cases, this proves to be a great use of the internet, but in other cases, this Remix Culture can be seen as no more than copyright infriengment