Do I need releases for this scenario?

J

Jokerswild

Well-known member
Today my wife and I took a drive right after a fresh snowstorm here in the Northeast. We went by the local golf course and there were tons of families and their kids sledding down the hills. I thought of a great idea for a film I could make shooting these kids coming down the hills on their sleds. Could I make this short without releases or would I need to get a release from every single person in the view of my camera?...That would be at least 50 people! The film would be set to music with no interviews. It would be a genre type piece that would simply be shot to set a mood and bring back the view to their childhood. Maybe there would be an interview of an older person but i would have the release for that one.
 
If you are using it for commercial purposes (going to make money), you need to release anyone who is clearly identifiable. If you are going to just post in online you will probably be fine.
 
I would be careful about posting images of children online without clear consent from the parents.

MichaelP
 
Yes I was already thinking that with kids in the shots, there would be additional concerns..Guess staging the whole thing with releases is the way to go..thanks for the feedback.
 
How about this scenario....I am filming a commercial that will be making money. I need a street scene with lots of activity of cars and people..Say there are a thousand people in the shot, including cars and pedestrians..How do I get releases for all those folks? Please don't think I am being crass here, just want to know.
 
Usually those are very controlled environments with each person cast as extras... but a basic way is to set up a sign that says "filming in progress beyond this point. Moving into this area you acknowledge the possibility of being captured as part of the scene and give consent to do so.."

Or something along those lines... get a lawyer to look at it though.

Michael
 
MichaelP said:
Usually those are very controlled environments with each person cast as extras... but a basic way is to set up a sign that says "filming in progress beyond this point. Moving into this area you acknowledge the possibility of being captured as part of the scene and give consent to do so.."

Or something along those lines... get a lawyer to look at it though.

Michael
Click to expand...

That sign isn't 100% protection. People who cannot read, or cannot read English, or just simply don't see the sign, are just as entitled to their privacy, and could easily sue.

Consulting a lawyer is the best advice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top