Do I need written approval to use footage for a demo reel?

[Movie_Dude_3]

I'm putting together a demo reel of footage that I shot for previous and current clients and projects. Some of my clients include major global brands, with their product making an appearance in some of the footage.

I'm not exactly sure how this works with a demo reel but, do I need to have written permission from every one of my clients in order to use the footage I shot in my reel? Or is everything fair game as far as a demo reel is concerned?

I'd like to know as I interviewed for a position and they would like to see a demo reel. I will only use it for them to see but I'd strongly prefer to have the option of showing my reel elsewhere as well.

[morgan_moore]

Surely it depends on the contract you worked under in the first place

In the UK with no written contract the copyright is yours..

[Cassius]

If you shot for major global brands I'm willing to bet you have an existing contract regarding the footage. Read it. It could be a work-for-hire, in which case they own the footage and you need written permission, or a license agreement in which you own the footage and allow them to use it, which means you don't need anything written. I always include 'promotional material' in my releases so this doesn't come up, but I don't know if your talent release forms are that thorough or if they even go through you. Generally no one cares if you use material you shot to promote yourself, and the worst thing that would happen is you having to re-edit. But to reiterate, read your contracts and you'll know.

[Movie_Dude_3]

If you shot for major global brands I'm willing to bet you have an existing contract regarding the footage. Read it. It could be a work-for-hire, in which case they own the footage and you need written permission, or a license agreement in which you own the footage and allow them to use it, which means you don't need anything written. I always include 'promotional material' in my releases so this doesn't come up, but I don't know if your talent release forms are that thorough or if they even go through you. Generally no one cares if you use material you shot to promote yourself, and the worst thing that would happen is you having to re-edit. But to reiterate, read your contracts and you'll know.

That answers everything. Thanks so much.

[Michael Carter]

If I have clients that seem picky about usage, or have long sections int heir contracts regarding it, I'll usually ask for an insert along the lines of "supplier may use footage in non-broadcast media for purposes of self-promotion, including printed materials, internet videos, promotional DVDs or digital file distribution". I've never had anyone complain, and if someone from legal contacts me to clarify, they always end up saying, "Oh, I get it, you do have to promote yourself".

Smaller clients are usually going by bids/quotes that I write, and I'll include the above sometimes. I'll usually explain it as "your project is just going to be so cool and it's such a great product, how could I not show it around" - smaller companies are sort of flattered and given a little more confidence in your seriousness regarding their project in those cases.

I'v got clients that are in total fear that their new idea will be co-opted by a more powerful manufacturer; that they have 6 months to get a foothold in the market before their idea is knocked-off. They can be ridiculously paranoid about security, and in those cases - even if you feel it's stupid - it's their sweat, livelihood. and maybe life savings on the line, so you sometimes have to accept that. Being understanding and supportive goes a long way to getting more work.

[Movie_Dude_3]

If I have clients that seem picky about usage, or have long sections int heir contracts regarding it, I'll usually ask for an insert along the lines of "supplier may use footage in non-broadcast media for purposes of self-promotion, including printed materials, internet videos, promotional DVDs or digital file distribution". I've never had anyone complain, and if someone from legal contacts me to clarify, they always end up saying, "Oh, I get it, you do have to promote yourself".

Smaller clients are usually going by bids/quotes that I write, and I'll include the above sometimes. I'll usually explain it as "your project is just going to be so cool and it's such a great product, how could I not show it around" - smaller companies are sort of flattered and given a little more confidence in your seriousness regarding their project in those cases.

I'v got clients that are in total fear that their new idea will be co-opted by a more powerful manufacturer; that they have 6 months to get a foothold in the market before their idea is knocked-off. They can be ridiculously paranoid about security, and in those cases - even if you feel it's stupid - it's their sweat, livelihood. and maybe life savings on the line, so you sometimes have to accept that. Being understanding and supportive goes a long way to getting more work.

Very good points all around - especially the last one. Thank you!