Anaconda swimmingBBC’s Natural History Unit announces The Open Earth Archive in which films from BBC nature shows are release under the Creative Archives License.

Viewers are encouraged to be remixers and recreators, to use the clips to make new and imaginative works and to enter the “Wild Card” competition (rules and instructions here).

But there is a giant downside to this plan. I tried to view a clip of an anaconda swimming and I got this message:

The BBC has decided to limit access to Creative Archive Licence Campaign content to UK residents to ensure best value for the UK licence fee. Users outside of the UK are not able to access clips and programmes that form part of this campaign. Regrettably we are therefore unable to offer you content and would like to apologise for any disappointment.