Paramount Pictures is asking Twitter to be its wingman in taking care of an individual who is tweeting Top Gun one frame at a time.
The studio’s lawyers have filed a DMCA notice over the @555uhz account. “No one is authorized to copy, reproduce, distribute, or otherwise use Top Gun without the express written permission of Paramount,” says the notice.
EARLIER: Fan Retells ‘Top Gun’ on Twitter Frame by Frame
The prankster took the time and effort to showcase one of the roles that made Tom Cruise a box-office star, posting roughly two or three still images and quotes from the 1986 movie every hour. As of last Tuesday, the user had 5,200 followers but was not following anyone else. According to TorrentFreak, the account was flying high with 1,525 tweets.
At this rate, the tweeter might not finish the movie by the end of the year. But the math is moot. The @555uhz account was suspended on Tuesday morning, at approximately 9:50 a.m. PT. There is indeed a need for speed.
Paramount’s DMCA notice was sent by reps at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton.
The DMCA allows ISPs like Twitter safe harbor from copyright liability if they expeditiously remove copyright infringing material upon notice from copyright holders.
In response to a request for comment, Twitter would only direct us to its copyright and DMCA policy. There, the social media site says it processes DMCA notifications in the order in which they are received. Those who are flagged are given the opportunity to file a counter-notice if reported material removed is believed to be in error.
Email: Eriq.Gardner@THR.com
Twitter: @eriqgardner
