First-Timer Advice

[Christoph]

I'm getting ready to film a documentary and I was wondering what sort of waivers and release forms I need for people that I interview. Also what sort of things do you need to worry about, like if for example I film a shot of people crossing the street downtown, do i need to have them all sign a release? Is there anywhere that I can download the proper forms and get more info?
thanks!
-Christoph

 

[JBurkey]

This has been addressed on the site before; do a search on your topic.

The rule is that if the person is identifiable in the shot (their face), you must have a release from them. There are some great books by Mark Litwak dealing with this issue and providing releases; try an Amazon.com search for his stuff.

Good luck.

J

 

[grinner]

I have found it easiest to just carry a little page with bold letters that read "I agree to bein this movie" in my case. They hold it and smile. Done. Certainly not as lock tight as an actual written agreement but a fine detourant frm them wanting to hassle a brother.