For many, many, many years now companies have been skating by with their shotty 2257 documentation.  In some cases production companies outright still continue to sell DVDs or license them for the web, despite knowing they don’t have the legally required documentation on the performers.

I know of at least 12 affiliate programs that have one or more movies on their site that do not have proper 2257 documentation.  I know this for a fact because I happen to know the guy who is selling them the rights to one (or more) of his movies that he no longer has IDs on the performers.   I’ve advised him on many occasions to stop selling those DVDs and to stop licensing their use on VOD websites, like most people in this world, he does what he wants and just figures he’ll never get caught.

Failure to comply with the obligations of the 2257 laws is in fact a felony.  And the punishment?  Well with your first conviction is punishable by up to five years confinement and a fine, while your second conviction is punishable of up to five to ten years and a fine.

Keep in mind, they rarely go after you for just one violation.  It is far far to costly.  So the chances are, if they are going after you, they have several convictions lined up.

So to everyone buying content, look carefully at your purchase.  How many people are in your movie?  Okay, then match those people up with the IDs they provided you.  If they don’t provide you with the IDs immediately when you make your purchase, immediately request a refund of your purchase price and DO NOT USE THAT CONTENT.