Commonwealth _ In an unexpected turn of events, a scene captured aboard a B.C. ferry has found its way into the digital realm, becoming a staple preview for users adjusting HDR video settings on the latest versions of Microsoft’s Windows operating system. This serendipitous discovery unfolded as two filmmakers stumbled upon footage, they had shot a decade ago for a music video, now showcased on billions of computers worldwide. The 11-second clip, portraying a man strolling along an open boat deck against the backdrop of a picturesque sunrise, features prominently in the display settings. The fluttering B.C. flag in the upper left corner adds a distinctive touch to the scene. The man in the footage is Miguel Barbosa, the director of the music video, who was taken aback upon learning about its newfound digital prominence.
Barbosa recalls the day vividly, mentioning it was spring in 2014 when they embarked on an early morning ferry ride to Nanaimo to film scenes for the music video titled “Radio Hell” by Langley punk band Gob. The impromptu decision to capture a beautiful slow-motion shot with the sun emerging perfectly aligned led to the creation of this memorable clip. Jesse Hunt, the videographer responsible for filming the music video, including this particular scene, later uploaded some of the footage to a film licensing site. Unbeknownst to him, Microsoft acquired a license for the clip in 2017 for $1,000, as revealed from Hunt’s records provided to CBC News. While Hunt received $500 after the licensing site’s deduction, the clip became a default feature in Windows 10 and 11 display settings, reaching an audience of over 1.4 billion active computers worldwide.
Reflecting on the astonishing turn of events, Hunt expressed his disbelief at the likelihood of his clip being chosen for such widespread usage. B.C. Ferries, upon identifying the vessel in the clip as the Queen of Oak Bay based on distinct features, lauded Microsoft’s recognition of the stunning scenery passengers encounter during their voyages. Jeff Groot, the executive director of communications for B.C. Ferries, humorously remarked on Apple’s absence from leveraging similar imagery and extended an offer to assist them in sourcing captivating visuals for their MacBook desktops. However, amidst the excitement of their footage reaching global audiences, there remains a sense of disappointment for those involved in its creation. Theo Goutzinakis, vocalist and guitarist for Gob, expressed surprise and frustration at the lack of compensation or acknowledgment for their contribution to the clip’s popularity. While appreciative of the exposure, Goutzinakis emphasized the importance of recognition and compensation for their creative endeavors.
Barbosa clarified the ownership of the footage, highlighting the absence of a formal contract between himself, Hunt, and Gob’s music label. While the label covered production costs for the music video, Barbosa and Hunt received no payment for their time and effort, with most of the budget allocated to production expenses.
The journey of a seemingly ordinary clip from a music video to its unexpected prominence as a ubiquitous feature on Windows computers highlights the unpredictable nature of digital dissemination. As creators bask in the newfound exposure of their work, it also brings to light the intricate issues surrounding credit and compensation in the digital realm. This phenomenon underscores the evolving landscape of creative ownership in an age where digital content can swiftly traverse global platforms, raising pertinent questions about equitable recognition and fair remuneration for creative endeavors.
