Comments on: The 2009 Eustace Tilley Contest

By: Charley Parker

Charley Parker — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:43:32 +0000

The above mentioned contest in India (and limited, I believe to participation from within India) can be entered here. While the Eustace Tilley contest is obviously a promotion for the associated magazine, this one (on a much larger scale) is promotion for a film about an influential Indian artist, whose controversial works were taken to court. More info here.

By: valmiki

valmiki — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:43:44 +0000

The Rang Rasiya Freedom of Expression Art Competition extended until January 21, 2009
After receiving an overwhelming response , the Rang Rasiya Freedom of Expression Art Competition, a nation wide contest, a venture by Infiniti Film Entertainment has extended the closing date of entries till January 21, 2008. This Art Movement is an endeavor to bring about a socio cultural movement in India and provide a platform for new talent who are passionate about Art.
The competition is open to all above the age of 18. Entries open till January 21,2008.For participation, log on to http://www.rangrasiya.com .
For further details contact â€“ Infinity Film Entertainment @ 022- 40742100 or Logon to http://www.rangrasiya.com

By: Charley Parker

Charley Parker — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:36:17 +0000

Thanks, Lee. It's an important consideration. I didn't read last year's contest rules in detail, as the contest was already past; but my reading of this year's rules, perhaps changed as there is no promise to print the winners in the magazine this time, is somewhat different. They indicate that the entrant keeps the copyright, but grants the New Yorker unlimited non-exclusive license to use the work in the context of the contest without payment. They add that if they want to use it in another context (bath towels, perhaps) they would pay for that. They also own and will not return or acknowledge your entry materials, i.e. the JPEG file you upload. What they calm ownership of throughout time space and all dimensions is the rights to the Eustace Tilley character. In other words, if your entry looks too much like their character, you can't print it on t-shirts and sell it. But it doesn't look to me as though this year's rules include anything so onerous as to be considered work for hire. You bring up an important concern, though, and I would certainly suggest that interested entrants read the Official Contest Rules, particularly the relevant passages in sections 8 and 10. Other readers may also want to check out Lee Moyer's online portfolio of very nice illustration.

By: Lee Moyer

Lee Moyer — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:59:26 +0000

In reading the fine-print of last year’s “contest”, I was simply appalled at what I found.

In short, the Conde Nast organization owns ALL work submitted (forever throughout time and space in all possible dimensions, natch), and it will treat that work as WORK FOR HIRE.

Since no moneys change hands, I find that both legally specious and totally immoral. Rather than featuring Conde Nast’s continuing disrespect to our professional standards, why not start your OWN version of such a contest?

I did 2 parody pieces, editorials really, after last year’s special contest. But Conde Nast will never own them unless they lose their minds and buy the rights to them…