Audiovisual works

Audiovisual works are a varied category, generally covered in the Copyright Act under musical and dramatic works, and more specifically under sound recordings, films, and broadcasts. This can include:

  • Recordings of live performances
  • Recordings of music and songs
  • Recordings of literary works read aloud and oral histories
  • Podcasts, recordings of interviews, etc.
  • Feature films, documentaries, and TV programs
  • Animation and cartoons
  • Short films, video clips, and YouTube content
  • free-to-air broadcasts and more.

Original works in this category have protection under the Act. Adaptations may also have their own protection. Audiovisual works can often have multiple layers of copyright involved (e.g., a film may have the recording, the screenplay, the music/soundtrack, production or release artwork, etc.). Learn more about audiovisual works and copyright

Australian Copyright Council fact sheets:

For YouTube, see Social media and online below.