TV Show "The Slap" Producers Close Piracy Website

The company that made the TV show "The Slap" has helped close a website that shared their show without permission. This shows how important it is to protect creative work online.
By Newsroom | Copyright Law, Entertainment |

High-stakes legal actions and copyright disputes have led to the closure of a local production company, "Matchbox Pictures," following the illegal online distribution of their popular television series, "The Slap." The intervention, initiated by the producers and involving international anti-piracy bodies, highlights the complex challenges in protecting intellectual property in the digital age. The shutdown of the piracy website "Diwana.org" by Dutch authorities, acting on behalf of "Matchbox Pictures" and facilitated by the "Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft" (AFACT), demonstrates a firm stance against unauthorized content sharing. This event underscores the lengths to which production companies will go to safeguard their creative assets and ensure the economic viability of the content industry.

Overseas owners shut down local production company behind The Slap - 1

Background of the Dispute

In late 2011, the Australian television drama "The Slap," produced by "Matchbox Pictures," became the subject of widespread illegal online distribution. A Dutch-based BitTorrent website, Diwana.org, was identified as a primary platform for sharing pirated copies of the show. This site reportedly catered to over 40,000 users, primarily Australian and New Zealand expatriates seeking to access local content overseas.

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Overseas owners shut down local production company behind The Slap - 2

  • Production Company's Involvement: Matchbox Pictures, the producer of "The Slap," contacted the Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT) to address the unauthorized distribution.

  • Anti-Piracy Coordination: AFACT then referred the matter to BREIN, a Dutch anti-piracy organization that represents copyright holders in the Netherlands.

  • Website Shutdown: BREIN contacted "Diwana.org's" internet service provider, LeaseWeb, with claims of hosting a site that illegally offered pirated shows. LeaseWeb subsequently terminated the website's services, citing previous court cases with BREIN.

The incident involving "The Slap" and "Diwana.org" illuminates the intricate web of legal and technological mechanisms involved in copyright enforcement. The case emphasizes the responsibility of content creators and distributors to actively protect their intellectual property in the face of evolving digital distribution methods.

Overseas owners shut down local production company behind The Slap - 3

  • Producer's Perspective: "Matchbox Pictures" maintained that the content industry's sustainability depends on a free market economy, not a "free-for-all." They stated that "Diwana.org" had not sought permission or licensing for the distribution of "The Slap."

  • Piracy Site's Defense: The owner of "Diwana.org" asserted that the site was not a commercial venture but aimed to make Australian content available to expatriates in a timely manner.

  • Availability of Licensed Content: AFACT countered claims that "The Slap" was unavailable overseas, noting that it was licensed for online distribution in Britain via BBC iPlayer.

The successful shutdown of "Diwana.org" illustrates the efficacy of international cooperation in combating digital piracy. The actions taken by "Matchbox Pictures," "AFACT," and "BREIN" highlight a coordinated approach to tackling copyright infringement across borders.

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  • Legal Nexus: The legal responsibility was framed as resting with those wishing to broadcast content to obtain the necessary licensing permissions from the producers.

  • Enforcement Mechanism: BREIN's role as an intermediary, acting on behalf of rightsholders, proved instrumental in compelling the ISP to act against "Diwana.org."

  • Precedent Set: The outcome suggests a strong deterrent for similar unauthorized distribution platforms, especially when faced with coordinated legal action from copyright holders and their representatives.

Ongoing Challenges and Wider Implications

Despite the successful intervention against "Diwana.org," the broader issue of online piracy persists. The incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required by content creators and distributors to protect their work.

  • Persistent Piracy: Reports indicated that "The Slap" remained available on other pirate websites even after the shutdown of "Diwana.org."

  • Industry Sustainability: The case underscores the economic imperative for copyright protection, as the content industry relies on licensed distribution for its viability.

  • Producer of the Year Award: Notably, "Matchbox Pictures" was recognized as the "Screen Producers Association of Australia producer of the year" shortly before this legal action, underscoring their significance in the Australian production landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the website "Diwana.org" closed?
The website was closed because it shared the TV show "The Slap" without the permission of the people who made it.
Q: Who helped close the website?
The company "Matchbox Pictures," which made "The Slap," worked with groups that fight illegal sharing of content.
Q: Is it okay to share TV shows online without paying?
No, it is not okay. Companies that make TV shows need to earn money from their work to make more shows. Sharing without permission hurts them.
Q: Can people in other countries watch "The Slap" legally?
Yes, the show was available legally in some places, like Britain through BBC iPlayer.