MPAA - Entertainment and tech industry must join forces

MPAA Chairman and CEO Chris Dodd delivered a keynote speech yesterday at the Variety content protection summit.

Dodd urged that the entertainment and tech industry should join forces in order to protect content and ensure that the web is a safe environment for creativity.

During the summit, Dodd made the distinction between free speech and copyright protection, saying that some people considered the piracy battle a choice between the two.

“We can have it both ways. We can have an Internet that works for everyone. And in order to continue providing the world’s greatest content, we must protect the rights of our creators so they can produce for their audiences and also profit from their work.”

“It’s time to reject the binary framing of the issues. The future isn’t about choosing
between protecting free speech or intellectual property—it’s about protecting both.”

Speaking about the relationship between Hollywood and the tech industry, Dodd stated that:

“Hollywood and Silicon Valley have more in common than most people realize, or are willing to acknowledge. Not only does Hollywood work closely with Silicon Valley to create and promote films; Hollywood film and television creators are tech companies. They celebrate innovation through the world’s most cutting-edge content, and they embrace technology as imperative to the success of the creators in their community.”

He went further to discuss about the creativity of the film industry at large:

“The creative community is determined to create the easiest, fastest, safest, highest quality product and viewing experience possible. Now more than ever, this community, the Hollywood community is demonstrating that it is—a vital part of the innovation explosion.”

“Content creators listen to their audience, and consistently strive to enhance the audience experience. Your creative community is continuously innovating, and they are hungry for more. Yet the content community also knows they cannot succeed without the work of the brilliant and creative minds behind new devices, Internet platforms, and other digital
outlets.”

- MPAA

Hollywood continues to pursue a solution that would help protect creators and reward consumers with high quality content. The digital piracy battle has been one of the biggest obstacles to growth and innovation. Protecting that content and ensuring that people benefit from legitimate distribution is the way forward, and safeguarding jobs throughout various industries is in everyone's vested interest.