Why Animators Shouldn't Worry About Copyright

Copyright Law - Stop Worrying

If you’re studying animation at Animation Apprentice you may have heard other students talk about copyright—how important it is to protect your ideas and ensure no one steals your work.  

And while it's important to understand the copyright law (to learn the basics of copright law, watch this video), it's equally important that students shouldn’t worry about copyright too much.  

Here’s why it's important not to panic:

Execution Matters More Than Ideas

Ideas are cheap.  Everyone has them. What makes a short film stand out isn’t just the concept—it’s the execution. The animation, the storytelling, the direction, and the artistry are what make a film unique. Even if someone were to borrow your premise, they wouldn’t execute it the way you do.  Chances are, with dedication and drive, you'll do a better job. 

The Real Risk? Not Making the Film

Worrying too much about copyright can be a distraction from actually creating. The biggest risk to your success isn’t someone stealing your idea—it’s you not making your film in the first place.  A well-made short film can open doors, win awards, land you a job, or even launch your own original project.

Sharing Your Work is How You Get Noticed

One of the best ways to build a career in animation is to share your work. If you keep your project under lock and key, afraid that someone might steal it, you lose the chance to get feedback, attract collaborators, and generate buzz. Many successful animators and directors started by putting their work out there—short films, student projects, even rough ideas.

The Gains Outweigh the Risks

Yes, copyright protects your work, but as a student, your focus should be on learning, creating, and getting your work seen. The industry values talent and creativity over ownership of a single idea. The more you create and share, the better your chances of standing out.

So don’t stress too much about copyright. Focus on making something great—because that’s what will really get you noticed.

The Basics of Copyright Law

To under stand the basics of copyright law, watch the video below:

Film-Making Resources at Animation Apprentice
For more information on the making of animated films, read the blog posts below:

Development & Pre-Production

• How to Make an Animated Film
• Key Creative Roles on an animated film - Who Does What?
• Why Animators Need to Storyboard
• Why Animators Have too Many Cuts
• Audio first, then Animation
• How to Direct Voice Actors

Production

• Why Animators Need to Check Their Hookups
• Why Animators Should test Their Rigs in Close-Up
• Why Animators Should Avoid a Flat Horizon
• Camera always Follows, Never Leads
• Avoid jump cuts
• The 180 degree Rule - Don't "Cross The Line"
• Avoiding "Motion Sickness Camera"
• Don't "Break the 4th Wall"
• Understanding the "Magic Circle" - And How to Stay Inside It
• Why Animation Editors Need "Handles"

Post-Production

• Free music from Moby Gratis
• Why Animators Need Sound Design
• How to use Audio files in Maya
• How to Get Screen Credits Right

To find out more about Animation Apprentice, click here for a link to Frequently Asked Questions. To sign up for our next classroom at Animation Apprentice, follow this link.