Attention webcomic creators!
TokyoPop is trying to sign up new talent for its Manga Pilot program. The young manga-style webcomic artists among you might think this is a great deal. Finally, a break in to the big time! Not so fast, says Heidi MacDonald of the PW Beat.
TokyoPop: Hey, dude, totally bad contract!
Don’t want to read through all that? Here’s the relevant portion:
What is it? Basically, Tokyopop has started the next iteration of their “Rising Stars of Manga contest/OEL” method of developing IP and talent, with their “Manga PIlot” program:
In this new program, promising manga creators are selected and hired by our editorial team to create a 24-to-36-page “pilot”—a short-form manga that will be used to determine whether or not a full-length manga will be created. The Manga Pilot will be published online for TOKYOPOP community members to review, rate, and discuss.The contract for this program is posted at the link above, and it drew sharp, immediate and universal condemnation, starting with Lea Hernandez, for such passages as this:
““MORAL RIGHTS” AND YOUR CREDIT
“Moral rights” is a fancy term (the French thought it up) that basically has to do with having your name attached to your creation (your credit!) and the right to approve or disapprove certain changes to your creation. Of course, we want you to get credit for your creation, and we want to work with you in case there are changes, but we want to do so under the terms in this pact instead of under fancy French idea. So, in order for us to adapt the Manga Pilot for different media, and to determine how we should include your credit in tough situations, you agree to give up any “moral rights” you might have.”To which Lea wrote:
There you have it, folks: Moral Rights are dumb because the French thought of them, so give them up.
