Stock footage for personal reel

texvanwinkle

texvanwinkle

Well-known member
I've searched the archives and I haven't seen one that addresses this aspect of releases specifically:

If I'm just shooting essentially stock footage for some videos I'd like to make for a personal reel, do I have to get releases? My sense from what I've read is that I don't, since it's not for any kind of distribution.

Case in point: I've a piece of music that's perfect for setting to a piece of video Americana. I'd like to go out to the local ball field and shoot the kids playing baseball, the lake to catch folks on boats, and people watching fireworks on the 4th. The finished project would only be to demonstrate my skills for prospective clients; I'd like to have them on my website and, hopefully, Vimeo, YouTube, and the like.

Does that constitute distribution in the sense that would require releases, or am I free to shoot such subjects freely since I'm not selling the video itself?

Thanks,

Clint
 
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texvanwinkle said:
I've searched the archives and I haven't seen one that addresses this aspect of releases specifically:

If I'm just shooting essentially stock footage for some videos I'd like to make for a personal reel, do I have to get releases? My sense from what I've read is that I don't, since it's not for any kind of distribution.

Case in point: I've a piece of music that's perfect for setting to a piece of video Americana. I'd like to go out to the local ball field and shoot the kids playing baseball, the lake to catch folks on boats, and people watching fireworks on the 4th. The finished project would only be to demonstrate my skills for prospective clients; I'd like to have them on my website and, hopefully, Vimeo, YouTube, and the like.

Does that constitute distribution in the sense that would require releases, or am I free to shoot such subjects freely since I'm not selling the video itself?

Thanks,

Clint
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I'm not a legal expert by any means. My guess is if it's going to be on your website (i.e. public) then you probably technically would need releases, although I highly doubt that anyone would ever sue you about it. Although if the people you're shooting are in a public place, you may not; someone who shoots in the US should come and answer this as I am in China and am not 100% clear on the US law.

Laws aside, as long as you ask beforehand and get people on tape saying "yeah it's ok to film us" I can't imagine you'd have a problem after the fact. So I wouldn't really worry about it too much.
 
In your situation, as long as you are in a public place, I think release forms would be unnecessary. Just be respectful while filming, especially if people ask what you're doing or request to not be filmed. In my experience, most people are fine with being filmed (unless you're filming a very sensitive or intense situation).

And I agree with custerc; it is highly unlikely anyone will sue you over your reel.
 
You might want to clarify what the local/state legal situation is regarding the filming of minors eg kids playing baseball. You may need a parental release to absolve yourself of any liability.
 
Thanks for all the input. As far as shooting minors—it sure sounds illegal—where would I check on something like that?
 
David W. Richardson said:
Get releases. Even in public places. Always protect yourself.

And make sure you have legal permission to use the music piece too.
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For a personal reel? To me, this seems like overkill. It is unreasonable to get releases for everyone in large public places or events. Be respectful while filming and use common sense. If you want to get close to someone and film them, ask them for permission. If they are cool with it, it doesn't hurt to get them agreeing on camera.

Keep in mind, I'm coming from a documentary perspective. In general, people online are going to recommend you to be overly cautious because they don't want you to run into any legal problems. This is understandable, and it's good to careful with these matters. If you are seriously worried about it, I would recommend talking to a lawyer familiar with these issues. People on the boards are going to have a wide variety of opinions, and talking with a legal expert should help clarify things.
 
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