Permissions for Graduation recording?

R

re_curly81

Active member
I was thinking of calling some local schools and offering my event recording services for upcoming graduations, but was wondering what permissions I need to get.
Obviously, I need the permission of the school/event co-coordinator, but do I need permission from each person/grad on the stage?

Would it be enough 'permission' if the announcer of the event said at the beginning "This event is being recorded and DVD's are available right after the event" ??

FYI, As a video producer I have full liability coverage as well.

Thanks!
 
I did something similar back in October and was told releases were not necessary by the schools legal department. They said that it was a school function and I was hired by the school for the specific reason to document the students receiving their certificates as well as any speeches made by guest speakers or faculty. The event was taped as part of the graduation so that each graduate would receive a copy on DVD a few weeks later.

I will note that I do not retain any rights to use any footage from these events for marketing or demonstration purposes. They didn't go so far as to demand the tapes when I was done. But they did have me sign an agreement to not use it for my own purposes which keeps it entirely as a school function like a yearbook shoot. If I were to use the graduates or speakers for other than the purposes I was hired for I would need releases from anyone recognizable.

I guess I should throw in the obligatory " I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV. This is not legal advise, only my experience. March on down to the mall and get yourself a lawyer for true legal advise in your area."

Hope that helps a little.

Cole
 
Today I shot a toddler/young miss-type pageant and someone I knew suggested I offer copies for sale. I initially did it as a favor and knew legally that wouldn't fly without some advanced legal arrangement.
 
Sure it would. You shot for the school. It was a school event with school attendees.
Hawk away. Small event videos just have to be set up with the host of the event.
 
Individuals in a public area with no reasonable expectation of privacy do not need to sign a release. That doesn't mean someone might not complain, but at a public graduation ceremony you would not need model/talent releases. You would not even need to announce it was being recorded, but many do it anyway as a courtesy.

You would need a location release from the school, but it sounds like you're headed in that direction anyway.
 
kb0wwp said:
Individuals in a public area with no reasonable expectation of privacy do not need to sign a release. That doesn't mean someone might not complain, but at a public graduation ceremony you would not need model/talent releases. You would not even need to announce it was being recorded, but many do it anyway as a courtesy.
Click to expand...

Please do not simply accept this statement as fact. You're taking a huge legal risk. Seek the advice of a qualified legal professional. It's really the only way to make sure you, your family and your assets are fully protected.
 
kb0wwp said:
Individuals in a public area with no reasonable expectation of privacy do not need to sign a release. That doesn't mean someone might not complain, but at a public graduation ceremony you would not need model/talent releases. You would not even need to announce it was being recorded, but many do it anyway as a courtesy.

You would need a location release from the school, but it sounds like you're headed in that direction anyway.
Click to expand...

A graduation ceremony is not a public place unless it's being held on the street or in a city park. The fact that anyone can walk in and watch is irrelevant, it is still a private function in a private location. It's true that at such an event one might not have the same expectation of privacy as when in one's own home. It could be reasonably assumed that filming or photography would be taking place at such an event, but merely being photographed is one thing while the commercial exploitation of the resulting images is quite another.
 
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