Radiohead may have breached copyright for animations in ‘Burn The Witch’ video

by: Austin Evenson May 16, 2016

Radiohead may be in hot water for their “Burn The Witch” video. In a report by the Daily Mail, the video’s animation style is too similar to that of Gordon Murray’s 1960s animated BBC series Trumpton and his family may seek legal action against the UK band for breach of copyright.

When comparing the two, the plot of the “Burn The Witch” video is a clear reference to the 1973 film, The Wicker Man, however, it is the buildings and character makeup that have a striking resemblance to the characters in Trumpton. Murray’s son-in-law spoke with the Daily Mail about the video as he believes his 95-year-old father-in-law would have been “too appalled” upon viewing. Murray’s family believes the video’s breach of copyright is “tarnishing of the brand’ and Radiohead should have asked their permission – despite the fact they would have not granted it.

You can watch the video for “Burn The Witch” here, and we’ve also included two photos from the Daily Mail‘s report for you to compare yourself.

Trumpton characters