Ripping several frames from a video - illegal or not?

OK, I'm about to write an ebook and I will need many illustration pictures to guide readers.

So IMAGINE if I'm writing an ebook on bodybuilding and teaching newbies on how to use dumbells the right way... is it ok to find a youtube video and rip several frames of the video and put it in my ebook? Will it be illegal?

BlackSeng said:

OK, I'm about to write an ebook and I will need many illustration pictures to guide readers.

So IMAGINE if I'm writing an ebook on bodybuilding and teaching newbies on how to use dumbells the right way... is it ok to find a youtube video and rip several frames of the video and put it in my ebook? Will it be illegal?

Click to expand...

If you're not selling, then it's 'fair use;' however if you are selling the ebook, then that's illegal. So, are you selling the ebook or are you just contributing to the betterment of mankind? I'd be careful.

Well, I'm selling it.

Argh, I guess I have to find "models" to create those illustrations. ha!

Thanks Peepers.

Why not take his illustrations and just photoshop it around a lil and broaden them out and make it your own.

Here's what I might do. Have various sized T-Shirts made with your logo/trademark printed on them; and then hit up a Fitness Center. Pay someone there to take a couple of photos wearing your T-Shirt.

I would think that bodybuilders are the type that are proud of the way they look and wouldn't mind having their incredible bodies all over the internet as long as it looks professional. I'm sure it won't be hard for you to obtain these models; just make sure you find some good sample contracts and modify them to your needs. Have an attorney take a 'glance' at it or two and then go from there. I would think that the extra work would be worth it for your branding, but then again I'm not sure what it is exactly you're doing, so I won't go further as this entire post could very well be in vein. Best of luck, and you're very welcome. Feel free to hit that button when someone helps you out in the future.

Btw, if you're going to ask them to do it for free, bring a woman with you. It will help you get the muscle guys to sign over their rights so that you can use their face in your ebook.. Use your attorney for further clarification on legal matters as I am no expert on law.

I dont think the OP will have attorneys involved and deposit $XXXX USD just to make an ebook. It is however the proper way of going about making it 'legit'.

Unless your ebook is so revolutionary in training and nutritional aspects I dont think you should worry that much.

Also you tried to search elsewhere to see how it is illustrated for grip and stances when pushing weights??

Hmm.. it's ok already.
I have to drop the project due to some matters.

Anyway guys, I manage to get images and illustration for my ebooks here:
http://search.creativecommons.org/

Search things like "dumbbell" and it will search for images that have commercial rights for you publish in your ebook.

you can even do some photoshop.. Then they can't give a damn..

Illegal? Yes
Ok? No
Do it? - Haha - Yes. Unless a major publisher owns the images.

I got a video banned in like 32 minute because I "borrowed"
a clip from a Ford Models Workout ( Ford Fashion Models Agency ).
But I already had a back-up video online ( not as good )
and ready to replace it in case of such event.

I was shocked at how fast it was caught. Oh well.