Travel Alberta says an online video trying to raise money for a documentary about the detrimental environmental effects of the oilsands is violating copyright law.
The government department’s lawyers are demanding the trailer, by California filmmakers Andy Cobb and Mike Damanskis, be removed from all sites on the Internet.
Travel Alberta has a commercial that says “Welcome to Alberta, Remember to Breathe” which shows beautiful shots of the province.
The filmmakers’ trailer shows shots of environmental destruction and uses the expression ‘Welcome to Fort McMoney’ and shots from the commercial to try to raise money to fund a documentary about the oilsands.
Travel Alberta CEO Bruce Okabe said Cobb and Damanskis did not have permission to use the video.
He says it’s not about free speech, it’s about the Alberta government protecting its brand.
The trailer has been removed from YouTube, but is still on other sites.
Cobb and Damanskis could not be reached for comment, but an update was posted on their site on Indiegogo.
“Our project isn’t about picking on everyday Canadians while ignoring America’s own energy hypocrisy. We have plenty of U.S. targets, and we will continue to make videos about these global issues.
“We encourage detractors to pre-order their copy today, to send us to see the area for ourselves so we can talk about fossil fuel dependence in a greater context. Our goal is not to point fingers at Canada – we’re all choking on our own waste together!”
Mike Hudema of Greenpeace says the men are using humour to address a serious situation. He says crowdsourcing the money to try to make the documentary is letting people decide if they want the film to be made.
