Australian discovers illegal use of his film by tobacco giant after watching Jon Oliver’s news show

AN AUSSIE filmmaker made a surprise discovery when watching a US satirical news show. Now he has a serious bone to pick with tobacco giant, Marlboro.

A MELBOURNE director claims a tobacco company is using his work without permission to sell cigarettes overseas.

Rick Mereki’s short film, Move, features a man walking towards the camera as the background cycles through locations in 11 different countries.

The film, shot over 44 days, was used by STA Travel to promote their brand in 2011.

The independent filmmaker says he has now learned that his film is being used in an ad campaign for Marlboro cigarettes.

Mr Mereki says he was alerted to the use of his work after the cigarette ad featured on US show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

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The short film is an incredible piece of camera and editing work.

Oliver’s satirical TV news program looked at how tobacco companies countered laws designed to reduce cigarette consumption. “I just found out about this a few hours ago ... Completely unauthorised. not happy,” Mereki said

“@LastWeekTonight After watching last nights show I learnt Marlboro illegally used part of my short film MOVE in that “Maybe” promo video ??,” he tweeted to the hit US show.

STA Travel said it were looking into the issue.

AAP has contacted Philip Morris, the maker of Marlboro, for comment.

Originally published as Australian discovers illegal use of his film by tobacco giant after watching Jon Oliver’s news show