Shooting at public events

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danielbrevick

Member
I'm filming my first film - a documentary called down200. I'm (was) 200 pounds over weight I'm documenting my effort to lose 200 lbs. in less then a year. See down200.com for more info. Anyway, I'm also a commercial artist and fine artist, art plays a large role in my life and has certainly been instrumental in my weight loss and the project over-all.

I will be at two very public events this year, one will be the Federal Duck Stamp Contest in St. Paul MN. This will probably have over 2000 attendees and I'm also in a two man art show in Lima Ohio (maybe 100 plus people there). Both are open to the public, with the Federal Duck Stamp contest "sunshine laws" are always in play.

My question: do I need to get people to sign release forms? Or will I need to be hiding peoples identities with any footage I shoot? Does the more formal and large size of the Federal Duck Stamp contest have different criteria then the art show? I already have permission to shoot at the gallery in Ohio.

Thanks, Daniel
 
If they are going to be on camera get them to sign a release. I don't know all the legal jargon and/or loopholes, I just cover my buttocks at all times.
 
Agreed. Even movies like Jackass and such (where they obviously don't care about the people around them at all) get release forms signed, because people are always looking for a way to get easy money. Better safe than sorry.
 
Read through the Documentary forum a bit as there is good stuff already posted.

You might want to get The Pocket Lawyer for Filmmakers: A Legal Toolkit for Independent Producers (Paperback) or a very similar high quality book and answer some questions there.

Also check here:

http://www.centerforsocialmedia.org/resources/publications/statement_of_best_practices_in_fair_use/


You of course will then still have some specifics you want to answer but then you can go to a qualified legal professional with your few remaining but very brief and important questions.
 
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