Showfile Seal
The showfile is the work.
An initiative by ZentrumNeueLichtkultur (ZNL) for recognition and self-determination over showfiles.
What this is about
A showfile holds weeks of work: looks, timing, dramaturgy, logic. Who created it, what may be done with it and whether an AI may learn from it is, today, usually not on record. ZNL wants that to change. That is why we are launching the “Showfile Seal” initiative. It is in preparation.
The showfile as a work
ZNL’s thesis: A showfile is to be regarded as a work of lighting design. Whether, and to what extent, that also holds in law in an individual case has not yet been conclusively settled, either among legal professionals or in court. We want to start that discussion and back it with experience from practice.
Authorship
Whoever designs a showfile should remain identifiable as its author, even when the showfile is passed on, copied or reused. Being credited by name is not a courtesy but part of recognising design work.
Usage rights
Whether a showfile may be used for a production revival, by third parties or for other purposes should be settled clearly before any dispute arises. We are working to ensure that authors, clients, rental companies and organisers can resolve these questions openly and fairly.
AI: you decide
Showfiles are of interest to AI systems that are meant to learn lighting design or operate lighting consoles. Whether a showfile may be used for this should be decided by its author: consent and refusal alike. ZNL is not against AI. This is about self-determination, and about making sure that decisions can be recorded in a traceable way.
Why now
Manufacturers of networked devices are currently adapting to new European security requirements. At the same time, AI and copyright are being negotiated in Europe. Anyone who wants to bring the concerns of lighting designers into that debate has to do it now.
Get involved
ZNL is collecting experiences and opinions from the community.
Write to us: showfile-siegel@zentrumneuelichtkultur.de
No legal advice. This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
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