I have been to a couple of cajun music festivals and there always seemed to be someone from Lousiana Folk Roots Heritage Foundation (or something like that) professionally filming the workshops. I asked if I would be able to purchase the film of the workshop and they basically said it was just for archives or history preservation. Why don't they make these available for purchase? Seems like they could make money and significantly preserve the history of this music by spreading this filming of these master cajun accordion players. Very selfish.

I've seen lots of festivals with a no recording (tape or video) policy. There are many musicians that don't mind, but there are some that do. If you plan on selling something as opposed to archiving for an organisation, it gets a little complicated about rights, royalties, etc. Some places don't want to bother with another headache and don't allow recording across the board. Some places let you record for personal use if the musician(s) okays it. Don't think it's so much being selfish as it adds another layer some events don't have the time, the manpower, or sometimes authorization to do. But you're right, it would be nice.
Steve

I should be a "no brainer". To answer your question....that's probably why!

I assume that these films aren't just locked away, never to be seen again. If they are stored by a library, you should be able to check them out--but maybe only if you a professor of music history and writing a book for sale. It just seems like something could be worked out with the musicians and foundation ahead of time, to make some of these workshops available. Guess I am just a little quixotic.

As a guy who does sound mixing for free for a not-for-profit and who has been dreaming of capturing some shows for an annual "best of" CD, but can't imagine where the time for mix-down, mastering, art, etc. is going to come from (much less $ for the equipment)...plus the need to re-write the artist contract to allow for rights, and making sure that only the musician's original material is on the CD so that ASCAP and BMI don't take you to the cleaners...I think Steve from New Jersey has it about right.

With some advance work on negotiations with musicians and some research as to which material is copyrighted, it could be done. But it ain't so simple as it might appear.
S'b'B