Is there clear line where the inspiration stops and theft begins?

Take look at the trailers "The Way Things Go" from Peter Fischli and David Weiss, and than "Honda advertising trailer" from Wiedens & Kennedys and than judge it by your self.

W&K's creative director Tony Davidson has told Creative Review that Fischli and Weiss's film 'Der Lauf Der Dinge' was only one of the inspirations for the ad and argued: "Advertising references culture and always has done."


Take look at the trailer: The way things go / Der Lauf der Dinge 1987

Artist Considering Legal Action over Honda 'Cog' Ad
Peter Fischli and David Weiss, claim that Honda and Wieden & Kennedy copied their idea.


Take look at the Honda's Cog trailer: Wieden & Kennedy's Honda trailer

Wieden & Kennedy are not too worried: "The film was useful to us inasmuch as it proved to us that we could do something amazing with what we wanted to do," said Walker.

What did Cog cost? Can you give me an idea of how many people worked on it and for how long?
Cog cost approximately ±100,000.Euro The team was huge – over 20 people in total but a core team of approximately 8 people. The script took a month to work on and then we had 5 months of preparation before the actual shoot which took just over 4 days.
Read more at: www.techrevu.com and www.marketingwonk.com

photo link: www.lumen.net

Recicled article

The Way Things Go by Peter Fischli and David Weiss 1987

Inside a warehouse, a precarious 70-100 feet long structure has been constructed using various items. When this is set in motion, a chain reaction ensues. Fire, water, law of gravity as well as chemistry determine the life-cycle of objects - of things. It brings about a story concerning cause and effect, mechanism and art, improbability and precision

The Evolution 2001 festival where the The Way Things Go was presented.

T&C Film AG Website about The Way Things Go

Take look at the trailer: The way things go (Der Lauf der Dinge)


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Wieden & Kennedy's Honda ad ±2002

A single cog sets off a chain reaction that sets component parts of a Honda Accord in elaborate and orchestrated motion. Quite unlike any car commercial you've likely seen.

Take look at the Honda trailer: http://www.boardsmag.com/screeningroom/commercials/581/

Credits:
Agency: Wieden & Kennedy
Producer: Rob Steiner
Creatives: Matt Gooden & Ben Walker