The Importance of a Video Release Form

If you’re a filmmaker and you have ambitions to sell your films or documentaries you’ll need to acquire a video release form in order to avoid legal complications in the future. Your video / film release form should outline and discuss the following:

1. The video release should state WHAT is being used for commercial purposes. For example if you plan on using voice overs or dialogue you should mention that in your release form. Likewise you’ll likely be using images of the person (or people) and you’ll also mention that you will be using both still images and video images

2. You will also want to clearly state in your video release form that you are granted commercial and non commercial rights to the footage, audio and photographs. This allows you to use the material as advertising assets or other forms of media that could help produce your company income.

On a similar note you should also have a clause that you are able to sell or transfer the release form and all recorded materials to third parties.

3. Ensure that the video release form is signed by the actors, models or documentary subjects who appeared in your film or video. Depending on your country and more specifically on your State or Province you’ll also need to ensure that participants under the age of “consent” (usually 18 years old) have their parents or guardians sign the release form.

4. Lastly and possible most importantly, you’ll want to ensure that the video release form is irrevocable. This ensures that the release stays valid for an indefinite period of time.

If you follow these steps when drafting your video release form you should have no legal problems associated with the use of images in your productions. The point of the video release form isn’t to try and manipulate the subject to forfeit their rights as a decent individual. It would be dishonest and likely lead to legal problems if you had a signed video release form with a model but then you went and used the images in an offensive manner. In order to avoid legal conflicts make sure you have verbal and written agreements with your subject making sure you are on the same page when it comes to what the footage, images and sound will be used for.

Be honest and GET IT IN WRITING and you shouldn’t have any troubles.

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