Footage Rights?

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digitalskylight

Active member
Hey everyone,

I shot footage for a company of a few pop stars, and was wondering what rights I have to the footage? I signed a contract that turned over video rights to the company. I can see that they would want to do this so the pop star video doesn't get altered/that person gets defamed. However, I'm not looking to do anything with clips other than put them in a demo reel. Thoughts?
 
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digitalskylight said:
I signed a contract that turned over video rights to the company.
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I'm sure if you asked the company, they'd be fine with letting you use the footage for non-commercial purposes like a reel or something, seeing as how you shot it. But it's still good to play it safe and get written verification just in case any conflict ever came up in the future.
 
If you were hired to shoot it, and you signed a contract that turns the rights over to the company, then the answer is simple: you have no rights. You did it as a work-for-hire, and all rights vest with the company that hired you.

So do as Finnegan says, and ask them if you can use it on your reel.
 
Barry_Green said:
If you were hired to shoot it, and you signed a contract that turns the rights over to the company, then the answer is simple: you have no rights. You did it as a work-for-hire, and all rights vest with the company that hired you.

So do as Finnegan says, and ask them if you can use it on your reel.
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One should if possible have a clause in one's standard contract, that allows one to use material in one's own 'demo/promo reel'. But even then some customers will not agree to that clause. At which point, you just have a line item on your resume...
 
Well, yeah, that's the point -- it's all what's in the contract. In general terms, if you don't have a specific "demo reel" clause in your contract, then if it's a work for hire, you've traded dollars for rights. You don't have any rights, because you instead have dollars.

I always had a clause in my contracts that gave me rights to use the footage in demo reels or to submit the finished work for contests and awards and whatnot. Never had anyone strike that clause, but if they did, I would have respected their right to do so.
 
Nvm got the issue resolved with a quick email! Thanks for the info and hopefully others find this thread useful!
 
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