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Beyoncé's 'Lemonade' and Information Resources

This guide supports further research into Beyoncé's literary, film, and history references in her visual album 'Lemonade.'

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'Formation' Copyright Issues

Beyoncé's music video Formation (a song on the Lemonade album) ran into some copyright issues when Los Angeles-based filmmaker Chris Black publicly stated that the video used clips from a short film he produced without crediting him. It was a documentary about New Orleans bounce music called THAT B.E.A.T. Beyonce’s team stated that the material was properly licensed.

 

Chris Black told Mashable that he was contacted by a production company a week before the video was released and asked about use of the footage for an undisclosed artist's music video. The filmmakers don’t own the footage, however, as it was commissioned by Nokia and Sundance. However, Chris Black’s issue was that he was not properly credited for his work.

 

Lemonade Copyright Issues

Filmmaker Matthew Fulks filed a lawsuit against Beyoncé  for copyright infringement:

The estate of Anthony Barre, known as Messy Mya, sued Beyoncé for using a sample of audio in Formation:

Resources on Copyright

Resources on Copyright Available Through the Library:

Decker Library at the Maryland Institute College of Art | Location: 1401 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217 | Mailing: 1300 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore, MD 21217

Research Help: 410-225-2273 / refer@mica.edu | General Questions: 410-225-2272 / circ@mica.edu

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