The Law is on our side.

   Photo: Jess Husband

By Carissa Pritchard

True to the gender role reversal theme, the only funding to date has been by a woman – Diane Cutler. Diane, a Sydney designer, who runs an exclusive boutique (www.dianecutler.com.au) was asked to supply suits for the cast. Apparently the outfits were too valuable to ruin with fake blood and gunshots, but still wanting to contribute, gave $1000. Today’s scene requires a “stolen” car, but thanks to Diane, it was purchased for $400. The second problem on today’s shoot is the impending storm. Although I’ve heard Garnet directing everyone including the elements (“Quiet on set – you too wind”), I’m not sure whether he can stop a thunderstorm.

The car might be legal, but isn’t using it to remake copyrighted material unlawful? In 2001, Channel Nine sued Network Ten for using their vision on the program, “The Panel”. The Panel replayed clips from other networks to parody and satirize current affairs. The decision by the Court to award in favour of Channel Nine may have upheld copyright law, but negating the right to poke fun at each other felt unAustralian. So the Australian Government did something everyone agreed upon – they changed the law.

The 2006 amendment to the Copyright Act ensures the legal right to use “Reservoir Dogs” for the purpose of “parody and satire”. The purpose of satire is defined as “social criticism aimed at changing social systems”. Producer, Peter Furst’s goal on the project was always to “change the way people think critically and culturally about gender structure and the power systems that undermine it.” Theoretically, “Reservoir Cats” is legal. But as Peter say’s, “It’s one thing for politicians to make a law, it’s another when the law is tried in court.” There’s nothing stopping the copyright holders from trying to halt production. Peter’s response? “This matter deserves its day in court, but there’s no reason why that shouldn't happen after we've finished shooting.”

Garnet, now in the driver’s seat, yells “Action”. He drives off, DOP, hidden in the passenger seat shooting through the back window, tyres screeching loudly, smashed glass spraying everywhere. Unfortunately a member of the public turns her car into the road. Garnet’s car screams past her, she catches sight of the cop running after Garnet shooting. She continues driving towards Peter and the crew, who start yelling, “It’s not real, it’s not a real gun!”

                                                                         Photo: Jess Husband
Producer, Peter Furst & Director, Garnet Mae

Garnet turns the car around and speeds back towards her, the DOP leans out the window, yelling, “Don’t let her call the cops!”

The woman pulls off the road into a side street.

Peter runs after her, “Don’t worry! It’s a movie! It’s just a movie!”

They did manage to wrap fifteen minutes before the storm hit, but unfortunately the glass didn’t hold out. Peter drove the car back over the bridge without a windscreen, but no one stopped him. Lets hope no one notices Reservoir Cats yet either.