Copyright release for interviewees

[robr]

Hello there

I was hoping that someone may be able to advise me on something?

I have made a couple of short films in the past and always made sure that I got all of my actors (and others) to fill out copyright release forms so that the films could be screened in public with no copyright issues.

However, I'm now working for a financial services company and I have been asked to shoot some ad hoc interviews with the public for a conference which is coming up soon. The footage will be used at this event only and will feature very short snippets of some people being asked 3 questions about a particular financial matter.

Any ideas on whether his activity will require me/us to have a copyright release form for the people who actually stop and talk with us?

Any info would be very useful.

Thanks,


Rob

[CopyrightAid]

Hi Rob

Yes, I think you actually mean a model release form, and I do think you should get each participant to sign one. I found this example on the net - it may be a good starting point for you: http://www.videomaker.com/ftp/pdf/model_release.pdf

[robr]

Thanks for that.

Always better to be safe than sorry with these things!

I was wondering though - what if we were to do a release on camera. What I mean is that we record us explaining exactly what we're doing and how we want to use the footage and ask for permission on camera. If the interviewee responds positively then we go ahead and have the release on tape. What do you reckon? I think 4Docs work in this way.

Thanks again for the post!

[CopyrightAid]

Well... You must understand that I can't give you formal legal advice, but what you propose sounds fine to me - in fact a rather clever idea