UPDATE – We’ve hit the web big, with over 411,000 views on YouTube as of  December 2011. See the video and check out all the extra features here.

The sequel to our 1992 viral video Don’t Copy That Floppy has hit the Web in a big way, causing controversy, and getting more than a few laughs at our (admittedly heavy-handed) approach. In Don’t Copy That 2, actor / rapper ME Hart reprises his role as MC Double-Def DP, a virtual spokescreature who materializes to warn us about the downside of pirating software, music, games, and other copyrighted content.

A sneak-peek trailer for the new video was shown at the SIIA (Software & Information Industry Association) COdie Awards in San Francisco; the trailer became an instant hit on YouTube, racking up over 150,000 views in just a few weeks.

Like its predecessor, the new video features dance moves and sweet rhymes from cyber-rapper DP, as well as some hot vocals by hip-hop sensation BSheba. Yes, there are Klingons whose behavior may shock you. And yes, we did get permission to use them from Paramount, and yes, the Father of the Klingon language was there to coach the actors and provide authenticity.  And a surprise sequence at the end that is sure to generate some heated discussions and bring a provocative angle to the ongoing debate about copyright, piracy, and enforcement.

You can watch Don’t Copy That 2 on YouTube and enjoy the comments wildfire, or check out SIIA’s website for the video PLUS special features, production credits, stills, lyrics, and other goodies.

“To duplicate data is a great dishonor!”

Suspense builds as we prepare to release Don’t Copy That 2, the long-awaited sequel to the anti-piracy hit Don’t Copy That Floppy. People around the world (welcome, France!) have discovered our short teaser, and I’ve received a number of questions about the Klingons who appear in it.

Q: Are they real Klingons?

A: They looked real to me. During the shoot they frightened our crew by practicing battle moves with lethal bat’leths.

Q: Why Klingons?

A: Klingons have a highly developed sense of personal honor; they would find common theft, such as software or movie piracy, quite offensive. Personal honor is a concept that should come up more often as people debate the issues surrounding intellectual property.

Q: Was that really Klingon they were speaking?

A: Renowned linguist Marc Okrand, creator of the Klingon language and consultant on numerous Star Trek movies, was on the set to assure that the phrases were technically correct.

Q: Will the Klingons be in the actual music video?

A: Yes, and what they do may surprise you…

Q: When will the video be released?

A: Very soon. Keep your eye on the SIIA website and MJville for the latest information.

COMING SOON : Production Photo Gallery

The sequel to “Don’t Copy That Floppy” is now being edited and will soon be released by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). It’s called “Don’t Copy That Too,” and it will be bigger and better than the original! The song by M.E. Hart and DC rapper BSheba is brilliant, and the message, about respecting one another’s creative works, is timely and important. We also feature art students from Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington DC, and game designers from id Software in Mesquite Texas. Watch this space for news about the release date!

Back in 1992 I was hired by the Software Publishers Association (SPA) to produce an educational video that would teach kids about making illegal copies of games and software. We made it a rap video, and the result was “Don’t Copy That Floppy,” starring DC actor/attorney ME Hart. Since then the video has become wildly popular on YouTube and other sites across the Web.

Now we are working on a sequel, and it will be hot! Here’s a sneak-peak “trailer” we showed tonight at the SIIA (formerly SPA) COdie Awards banquet in San Francisco.