Who We Are

Creative America is a grassroots organization uniting the entertainment community and others against content theft.

Creative America brings together actors, directors, craft professionals, editors, cinematographers, small businesses that service the industry, studio employees and others who make a living in and care about film, television, and other creative industries and believe that creativity and innovation deserve to be protected.

Right now, not everyone in the community recognizes what a grave threat content theft poses to our livelihood and creativity - that thieves are making millions of dollars trafficking in stolen film and television while our jobs, pensions and residuals continue to decline. And content theft undermines all the new, legitimate services providing movies and TV online quicker and easier than ever before.

To be successful in the fight against content theft, we must make our voice heard in Washington and in communities across America.

Creative America is supported by an unprecedented coalition of major entertainment unions, guilds, studios, and networks, including CBS Corporation, the Directors Guild of America, IATSE International, NBC Universal, SAG - AFTRA, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., Twentieth Century Fox, Viacom, the Walt Disney Company, and Warner Bros. Entertainment.

Join us and help spread the word!

    

Karen Keyes

Wardrobe Stylist

“I'm speaking out against content theft to protect my livelihood – stealing is stealing, and it's wrong.”

United Against Content Theft

Become a Supproter

Impact Stories

Rachel Lipsey and Aaron Ward

Craft Services from Portland, OR

When Rachel Lipsey moved to Oregon in 2003, she couldn’t have imagined that one day she would end up providing craft services for some of... view profile

Rebecca "Puck" Stair

Location Manager from Albuquerque, NM

Rebecca "Puck" Stair has worked in New Mexico as a location manager and scout for so long, she almost doesn't remember how she got started. After... view profile

Bobby San Martin

Camera Operator from Los Angeles, CA

Bobby San Martin has been behind the camera since he was a teenager. He got his start in high school, working summers as an apprentice assistant still... view profile

Bilquis Shareef

Tailor from Charlotte, NC

Bilquis Shareef is a small business owner in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she opened Talking Threads in 1996 to design and alter clothes, she had... view profile

Heather Page

Camera Operator from Los Angeles, CA

For as long as she can remember, Heather Page knew she wanted to make movies. She got her first job in New York as an assistant sound effects editor... view profile

Josh Poole

Creative Development from Los Angeles, CA

Josh Poole is professionally funny. He helps develop original comedy and animated programming for MTV, where he works on a team that is always... view profile

Peter Frank

Editor from New York, NY

Peter Frank's career began 44 years ago in New York City. He started as a messenger on a TV show, and his first big break was landing a job as an... view profile

Karen and Keva Keyes

Wardrobe Stylists from Charleston, SC

While attending Charleston Southern University, Karen and Keva Keyes enjoyed being extras on films such as Die Hard with a Vengeance, Ace Ventura When... view profile

Creative America is a grassroots organization uniting the entertainment community and others against content theft. learn more

News & Articles

See the New Ad Campaign

Creative America,

 

Protecting American Ideas, Innovation and Jobs

Creative America's new ad highlighting the importance of copyright protections through legislation (such as Stop Online Piracy Act and the PROTECT IP Act) in developing new ideas, innovation, and jobs.

News & Resources

Learn About Content Theft

Education can help us fight content theft. Learn more about content theft and share this information with your colleagues, friends and family.

  • About Creative America

    Creative America is a grassroots organization uniting the entertainment community and others against content theft.

  • Fact Sheet

    Learn about content theft, how it affects the entertainment industry and how it can be stopped.

  • Parent Guide

    Help your child understand how content theft directly impacts you, your income and your whole family’s standard of living. And then help them to make good choices.

SOPA/Protect IP Archives

Advertisements Archives

  • Print Ad

    Our open letter to Congress, signed by 51 companies and organizations, ran in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.

  • Spoiler Alert

    Check out Creative America's hard-hitting ad, appearing in select magazines, film festivals and movie viewings.

Industry News

Martin Scorsese Makes Case for Film Preservation: Scorsese: Americans “need to take pride in our cinema, our great American art form.”
New York Times, April 2, 2013

Illegal Downloading Takes Toll on Game of Thrones? : HBO’s Game of Thrones co-creator David Benioff says more special effects and scenes could be added if more viewers paid for content.
CNN, March 28, 2013

A Good Week for Copyright: The House Judiciary Committee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet holds a hearing to consider updates to existing copyright law.
Vox Indie Blog, March 21, 2013

Brand Sponsored Piracy: Top search engines and ad networks run advertisements on large pirate sites, at a harmful cost to the U.S. economy.
Music Tech Policy, March 18, 2013

Distributing Pirated Material is Not Freedom of Expression: The European Court of Human Rights rejects a request to hear an appeal by The Pirate Bay.
The Hollywood Reporter, March 13, 2013

New, Innovative Film & TV platforms Get Boost from Megaupload Shutdown: Study concludes removing one pirate site caused an increase in sales for legal online media platforms.
The Wall Street Journal , March 7, 2013

Microsoft Responds to New Trends in Counterfeit Software: New study indicates criminals are coupling counterfeit software with malware—a problem heightened by growing demand for PCs in emerging markets.
Dow Jones Newswire, March 6, 2013

Pirates Run Rampant, Affecting Large and Small Studios Alike: Piracy impacts owner of a small, independent film-distribution company.
The Wall Street Journal , March 3, 2013

Counterfeit Goods Flood U.S. Economy: Many common household goods may be counterfeit, hurting manufacturers, retailers and consumers.
US News & World Report, February 21, 2013

Chinese Army Unit Linked to U.S. Intellectual Property Theft: In response to a new report from a leading American security firm, U.S. officials say a stronger response to IP theft is necessary.
New York Times, February 18, 2013

USC Lab Releases Second Online Advertising Transparency Report: Annenberg Innovation Lab seeks to demystify the intricate system that allows illegal pirate websites to profit off infringing creative works.
USC Annenberg Innovation Lab, February 14, 2013

Pirate sites are raking in advertising money from some multinationals: Pirate sites make big money from ads without paying for the content they steal.
The Guardian, February 5, 2013

Where are the Creators? Consider Creators in Copyright Reform: Copyright debate too often overlooks the entrepreneurial risks to create & commercialize creative works.
Cato Blog, February 1, 2013

U2 manager Paul McGuinness: Google isn't doing enough to fight piracy: U2 Manager Paul McGuinness Calls on Google to Take Action Against Piracy
Wired.co.uk, January 28, 2013

Casting Directors: When Will Oscars Recognize the Impact We Have on Films?: Detailing the impact Casting Directors' hard work has on films
The Wrap, January 15, 2013

The Silver Lining of the SOPA Debate: One important thing that came out of last year's debate was the raised awareness of the prevalence of online piracy.
Copyright Alliance, January 15, 2013

Halifax-made documentary looks at the world’s Counterfeit Culture: New Canadian documentary to raise awareness about the full impact of counterfeiting
The Chronicle Herald, January 7, 2013

'Lincoln' gives Virginia's film industry a presidential lift: New film, Lincoln, contributed millions of dollars to the local Virginia economy and employed hundreds of people.
Los Angeles TImes, November 8, 2012

Iron Man 3 rare opportunity as N.C. relies on smaller films: North Carolina characterized their small budget and independent film production as being the state’s “bread and butter."
Star News Online, November 8, 2012

Good News! Ten Commandments Reduced Now to Only Nine : Musician John Mellencamp speaks out about the apathy song writers display in the face of piracy. “We need to restore intellectual property to its rightful owners."
Huffington Post, October 25, 2012

Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston on piracy and TV's golden age: Bryan Cranston speaks out on piracy’s impact on hardworking creative professionals.
CNET, October 17, 2012

Fox digital media chief extols the virtues of technology: Fox’s Peter Levinsohn talks about the benefits of the powerful tools that give us the ability to create, entertain and inform in ways never before possible.
Los Angeles TImes, October 16, 2012

Prevent online theft: Louisville IATSE member to VP candidates: protect creative and intellectual property online.
Louisville Courier-Journal, October 11, 2012

Protecting Creative and Intellectual Property on the Internet: Producer and director of 16-LOVE tells his personal story and asks the presidential candidates to help protect creators and makers online.
Huffington Post, October 3, 2012

Our forgotten Constitutional right -- intellectual property protection: Constitutional advocate argues that protection of intellectual property rights online is a logical contemporary interpretation extension of basic Constitutional rights of creators set forth by the Nation’s Framers.
FoxNews.com, September 17, 2012

Javier Bardem on the Rights of Artisans and Filmmakers: Actor speaks out about content theft : Javier Bardem on piracy: "It's about hundreds and thousands of people behind those movies."
The Trichordist, September 7, 2012

After a century of movie copyrights, piracy and preservation still present challenges: 100 years ago, U.S.-made movies earned their own copyright designation, transforming the fledgling industry into a global economic and cultural juggernaut.
The Washington Post, August 24, 2012

"Legitimate" Piracy: One author's satirical takedown of arguments justifying piracy
The Book Room, August 22, 2012

Real Cost of ‘Free’ Downloads:
USA Today, August 8, 2012

Intellectual property theft crippling U.S. business says report: Congressional Joint Economic Committee report: Intellectual property theft is throttling America’s economic growth and the country’s ability to create jobs.
Central Valley Business Times, August 7, 2012

A Hollywood director responds to Kim Dotcom: Can I borrow your Lamborghini?: Writer/director Bruce Leddy’s credits include Cougar Town, MADtv and the indie feature The Wedding Weekend. He drives a Toyota.
The Hollywood Reporter, July 25, 2012

One filmmaker's fight against the cyberlockers: Indie filmmaker Ellen Seidler’s movie was pirated within 24 hours of release, and appeared on tens of thousands of websites.
CNN Money, July 11, 2012

Mobile devices star in prime time at home: Entertainment providers offer innovative mobile viewing options to meet changing prime time viewing habits.
USA Today, May 30, 2012

Chamber Study Promotes Benefits of IP: A new U.S. Chamber of Commerce study confirms the benefits of intellectual property to state economies.
National Journal, May 24, 2012

Advertisers Propose Keeping Ads Off 'Rogue' Websites: Advertising industry groups propose steps to stop ad buys on rogue websites that sell pirated content or products.
National Journal, May 4, 2012

U.S. says intellectual property supports 40 million jobs: A new report from the Department of Commerce finds: “The entire U.S. economy relies on some form of IP, because virtually every industry either produces or uses it."
Reuters, April 11, 2012

MPAA's Chris Dodd Extends SOPA Olive Branch to Silicon Valley: To an audience of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, Chris Dodd reinforces the need to protect both internet freedom and American jobs. “I firmly believe that our industry cannot survive without the innovations that come out of Silicon Valley every day – and I know that we must have a free and open Internet to keep those innovations coming,” said Dodd.
Reuters, February 22, 2012

Piracy reduces foreign box office receipts 7%, study says: Study estimates piracy caused a 7% decline in international ticket sales between 2005 and 2006, shortly after the launch of BitTorrent, a technology that facilitates illegal downloads.
Los Angeles Times, February 20, 2012

Scribes feel piracy's bite: Writers highlight the cost of online piracy. President of the Writers Guild of America West says "piracy's a very real issue for our members because it takes money right out of our pockets."
Variety, February 17, 2012

The Perpetual War: Pirates and Creators: New York Times editorial highlights how online piracy is growing by "leaps and bounds,"undermining "the very economics of creative industries" - and threatening American jobs.
New York Times, February 4, 2012

Content Theft Affects All of Us

Movies and TV are one of America’s biggest exports, and content theft costs U.S. workers $5.5 billion annually in lost earnings. The real victims aren’t stars or studios or networks; they’re middle class people in all 50 states who make their living in film and television.

Explore The Issue

Economic Impact Map

See the impact of content theft on each state.

Documentary

Documentary

A probing look at content theft.

Follow the Money

Follow the Money

Find out who profits from content theft.

Watch the PSA

Watch The PSA

Learn how one of America's biggest exports is under threat.

Watch Video

Watch Video

Hear from the professionals who are hurt by content theft.

IP Has Broad Impact

IP Has Broad Impact

US Chamber study outlines benefits of IP to state economies.

Heather Page

Camera Operator

“People need to understand that this isn't a victimless crime. When movies and TV get stolen, it hurts me and everyone I work with.”

Take Action

Content theft threatens the work we love, but there are many ways you can fight back. Spread the word about content theft, tell your story, and urge others to join Creative America. Take action today!

Join the Movement

Share Your Story

Content theft affects the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people who work in entertainment - and we want to hear from you. Help fight back by sharing your story.

Share Your Story
view more stories

Tell Your Friends

Help build the movement by inviting others to join.

Coming Attractions

Find Creative America at an event near you.

More Actions

Volunteer

Help grow this movement in your community.

Contact Congress

Make your voice heard!

Stories

Alvaro Acosta

Alvaro Acosta

Camera Operator
Andy Rovins

Andy Rovins

Production Sound Mixer
IATSE
Ashlee L, Taylor S

Ashlee L, Taylor S

Creative America supporters
Brett Carlson

Brett Carlson

Filmmaker
Claire Paluzzi

Claire Paluzzi

Producer and Editor
Corbin Bernsen

Corbin Bernsen

Actor/Producer/Director
Dave Mack

Dave Mack

Film Producer
Debra Miller

Debra Miller

Filmmaker
Frank Davis

Frank Davis

Assistant Director and DGA Member
DGA
Gene Cajayon

Gene Cajayon

Director/Producer
Heather Hoffman

Heather Hoffman

Advertising
James Groth

James Groth

Executive Producer
Kennard Ramsey

Kennard Ramsey

Musician/Composer
Luc OuYang

Luc OuYang

Assistant Director
DGA
Marcus Bass

Marcus Bass

Creative America supporter
Mary Patel

Mary Patel

Independent Film Producer
Maya Baxter

Maya Baxter

Independent Filmmaker
Organizers in Action

Organizers in Action

with Creative America
Rashad Humphrey

Rashad Humphrey

Independent Filmmaker
Ryan Fung

Ryan Fung

Production Assistant
Thomas Lick

Thomas Lick

Aspiring Filmmaker
Thomas Schroeder

Thomas Schroeder

Producer
Todd David Schwartz

Todd David Schwartz

Independent Filmmaker
Veronica Caro

Veronica Caro

Film Student & Aspiring Director
Zach Prengler

Zach Prengler

Filmmaker
Ben Cohen

Ben Cohen

Photo Initiatives and Business
Los Angeles, CA
Klaudia B

Klaudia B

Sony Pictures Television
SAG-AFTRA
Tom Houghton

Tom Houghton

Director of Photography
SAG-AFTRA
Chris "Topper" McDaniel

Chris "Topper" McDaniel

Writer/Director/Producer
SAG-AFTRA
Karen and Keva Keyes

Karen and Keva Keyes

Wardrobe Stylists
Charleston, SC
Bilquis Shareef

Bilquis Shareef

Tailor
Charlotte, NC
Rebecca "Puck" Stair

Rebecca "Puck" Stair

Location Manager
Albuquerque, NM
Heather Page

Heather Page

Camera Operator
Los Angeles, CA
Bobby San Martin

Bobby San Martin

Camera Operator
Los Angeles, CA
Rachel Lipsey and Aaron Ward

Rachel Lipsey and Aaron Ward

Craft Services
Portland, OR
Peter Frank

Peter Frank

Editor
New York, NY
Max Frankston

Max Frankston

Video Effects Specialist
SAG-AFTRA
Josh Poole

Josh Poole

Creative Development
Los Angeles, CA
Jason Stall

Jason Stall

Producer
SAG-AFTRA
Hayden Rosenaur

Hayden Rosenaur

Animal Trainer
Los Angeles, CA
Victoria Wells

Victoria Wells

VH1 & LOGO
Los Angeles, CA
Joshua Waterman

Joshua Waterman

Student
Boston, MA
Grainne

Grainne

Student
Lakewood, CO
Mark Hogan

Mark Hogan

Studio Mechanic
Chicago, IL
Liz Lopez

Liz Lopez

Work in Television
Lennox, CA
Tee Jay Johnson

Tee Jay Johnson

Finace Manager, Intl. TV
Fontana, CA
Lee Malecki

Lee Malecki

Set Decorator
Astoria, NY
Hugh England

Hugh England

Art Director
Haiku, HI
Abram Stoye

Abram Stoye

Munician
Richmond, CA
Tigran Ter-Avetisyan

Tigran Ter-Avetisyan

SAG-AFTRA PERFORMER ID:618885
Los Angeles, CA
Frank La Frazia

Frank La Frazia

Film Production
Clarksburg, MA
Dave Fedack

Dave Fedack

IATSE Business Agent
Atlanta, GA
Brandon Jason Korman

Brandon Jason Korman

Research
New York, NY
Jiji Hise

Jiji Hise

Actor, Make-up Artist, Costumer
Albuquerque, NM
Ron Merk

Ron Merk

Producer, Director, Writer and
San Francisco, CA
LeShae Ann Nash

LeShae Ann Nash

Scenic Artist
Atlanta, GA
Jack Fitz

Jack Fitz

Actor
Los Angeles, CA
Terri Lodge

Terri Lodge

Makeup Artist
Sandy, OR
Alec Hirschfeld

Alec Hirschfeld

Director of Photography
East Hampton, NY
Barnaby Hitzig

Barnaby Hitzig

Marketing Manager - Fox Searchlight
Rancho Park, CA
Alex J. Talladino

Alex J. Talladino

IATSE Propmaker Local 44
North Hollywood, CA
Tami Solomon

Tami Solomon

IP Paralegal
Los Angeles, CA
Michael Pyle

Michael Pyle

Director
Lemay, MO
John Douglas Miller

John Douglas Miller

CMO NBC Universal TV Group
New York, NY
Joseph Schwartz

Joseph Schwartz

IT-Telecom
Los Angeles, CA
Bradley Barnes

Bradley Barnes

Set Lighting Technician
,
Kimberly Ann Stump

Kimberly Ann Stump

Talent
Lansing, MI
Francesco Sciarrone

Francesco Sciarrone

scenic artist
Brooklyn, NY
Paul C Babin

Paul C Babin

cinematographer
Playa Vista, CA
Jon Cotton

Jon Cotton

TV Marketing
New York, NY
Michelle Bernheim

Michelle Bernheim

Entertainment Industry
Long Beach, CA
Jose Vazquez

Jose Vazquez

engineer
Los Angeles, CA
malcolm stewart

malcolm stewart

actor
Shelburne, VT
Riley G Matthews Jr

Riley G Matthews Jr

Actor
Las Vegas, NV
Renacer Entertainment

Renacer Entertainment

Producer/Actress
North Hollywood, CA
Shawn McAllister

Shawn McAllister

actor/writer
Royal Plm Beach, FL
Adam James

Adam James

Actor, writer and producer
Tarzana, CA
Ratko

Ratko

Real Estate Agent/Actor
Las Vegas, NV
Jeremy NC Newman

Jeremy NC Newman

Online Fitness Coach, International
Lake View Terrace, CA
Richard Hecht

Richard Hecht

actor
,
Jamie Christopher White

Jamie Christopher White

Producer/ Writer/ Director/ Actor
Providence, RI
Mariana Agathoklis

Mariana Agathoklis

Director of Communications, MTV
New York, NY
Stacey Sommer

Stacey Sommer

Recent Graduate
Springfield, NJ
Kris Nagle

Kris Nagle

movie propmaker
Lincoln Heights, CA
Danny Gil

Danny Gil

Actor/Fitness Trainer
Metairie, LA
Erica Rogalla

Erica Rogalla

Set Decorator
Burbank, CA
Penelope Stames

Penelope Stames

Set Decorator
Los Angeles, CA
Shaila Vaidya

Shaila Vaidya

Actress
West Hollywood, CA
Kevin Lee Allen

Kevin Lee Allen

Scenic & Lighting Designer
Clifton, NJ
Kevin Koster

Kevin Koster

Assistant Director
Santa Monica, CA
Jason Williams

Jason Williams

Entertainment/Media Consumer Products
New York, NY
Keesha Wallace

Keesha Wallace

EA
New York, NY
Jeremie Lee Cook

Jeremie Lee Cook

Writer/Director
Jacksonville, FL
Chris Nelson

Chris Nelson

Social Media marketer
Nashville, TN
Michael Dare

Michael Dare

Director of Special Events, Viacom
New York, NY
Dee Mc Laughlin

Dee Mc Laughlin

Marketing
Nashville, TN
Monica

Monica

sales assistant
New York, NY
Lynette Wright

Lynette Wright

Executive Assistant
Cheverly, MD
markuann smith

markuann smith

Actor / Producer
New York, NY
Chris Delhomme

Chris Delhomme

VH1/CMT Director of Corporate
Santa Monica, CA
Kevin Richards

Kevin Richards

Musician
New York, NY
Paul Ward

Paul Ward

Programming Executive
Upper Montclair, NJ
James P. Chafin jr.

James P. Chafin jr.

Law Enforcment/actor
Flatwoods, KY
Kristal Hughes

Kristal Hughes

Research and Data Insights Manager
Bentonville, AR
Patrick J. Bannon

Patrick J. Bannon

Artist, Director, Actor, Photographer
Long Beach, IN

Submit Your Story

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