Video stores around the country have joined forces to take on DVD pirates. Putting up posters, and handing out DVD sleeves and brochures, they hope to inform Australians about the damage done to the industry.
Over 800 anti-piracy kits have been distributed to video stores by the Australian Video Rental Retailers Association [AVRRA]. They warn of the risks of downloading and buying pirated movies and TV programs.
“If you’re involved in piracy in any of its forms you’re effectively burning video stores and other legitimate businesses,” says David Hynes, president of AVRRA and general manager of Network Video Home Entertainment. “But there are also other consequences; it’s an illegal activity that puts yourself and your family at risk of unwittingly buying or downloading pornography and associating with criminals.”
It is estimated that DVD piracy costs Australian video stores $61 million, and a further $230 million to the film production and distribution industry; putting 50,000 jobs at risk.
