Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, one of Belgium's most famous choreographers, says she was surprised to see two of her works in Beyonce's new music video "Countdown."<br/> De Keersmaeker's dance company says Beyonce copied the choreography as well as filmmaker Thierry De Mey's art direction - and is currently looking into legal action.<br/> Tanguy Roosen, a specialist of copyright for the society of authors SACD, says artists can find inspiration wherever they want, but author rights have to be respected.<br/> SOUNDBITE: Tanguy Roosen, specialist of copyright for the society of authors SACD-SCAM, saying (French):<br/> "(OFF CAMERA) No doubt at all. (ON CAMERA) Artwork is protected by copyright when two conditions are met: the designing, how will one render a simple idea, how will you compose, construct it ? And on the other side, the originality.''<br/> In a letter De Keersmaeker said she was "struck by the resemblance of Beyonce's clip - not only with the movement from, but also with the costumes, the set and even the shots from the Thierry De Mey shot film.<br/> For De Mey, plagiarism is obvious.<br/> SOUNDBITE: Thierry De Mey, filmmaker, saying (French):<br/> "When I am doing a film or a show, the first thing to check is the copyright, the rights to adapt a work of art... If tomorrow I would look for the music, the videos from Beyonce or any other pop or rock stars and I use it in my movies without asking for their authorization, I think Exocet missiles would fall over the Charleroi dance festival and myself.''<br/> In statement Beyonce responded to the controversy by saying the film was just one of many references for the video.<br/> Noting that Audrey Hepburn's movie "Funny Face," Andy Warhol and Diana Ross were also used as inspiration.<br/> Alicia Powell, Reuters.
