Visible Brand Names in Your Project

U

USLatin

Panamaniac
Does someone know specifics regarding brand names that are clearly visible in your project but might not be "cleared" or requested?

Some times you don't mind a logo, if it looks good, isn't invasive, and it works. Also, sometimes you don't see a great opportunity for product placement, or have the time to even bother to get the piece for free. What should I know about those cases? Should I always clear a logo with the company if it will be clearly visible?

I am not interested in getting writing feedback, but just for fun and so I get a clear answer I should share a bit more:

I am concerned with a CU of a cross-country skier catching his breath. He will have a grin as he is near his destination, a frozen lake ahead. He will pull down his Oakley goggles before he resumes. ;)

Yes, this is a bit of an homage to Red. But, so people don't start bugging with writing feedback, even though I already clearly stated I am not looking for that, I didn't make him catch his breath just to get the Oakley "O" in the shot. He stops when a bare branch gets caught his jacket, which works for the moment and gives me a cutting point I need. The goggles also help set the period as this is inter-cut with a scene happening a thousand years ago.

They also look fantastic yet understated in the snow:
Alpha Blue Print/Persimmon (01-790) $105.-
Purchase: http://www.oakley.com/pd/3266
Photo: http://www.oakley.com/images/catalog/generated/800x650/0e/4adca9ed85ea2.jpg?1255976530
Click to expand...
 
For non-ficton work that doesn't reference the logos/they are "incidental" it doesn't matter. For fiction...you better get a release/clearance. I had to get one from Ford. All I did was send them a clip and the guy from the legal dept. cleared it. Since your Oakley logo is in closeup I would get clearance for sure.

Better to be safe than sorry.
 
what about a wide shot of the Izod logo on a polo shirt your character is wearing? This is very recognizable, even from a distance.
 
I'd get clearance on it. You really should try to avoid any logos on wardrobe for fiction. Otherwise you will have to lose the shot/re-shoot or blur out the logo to be 100% legal.

Of course if you are small-scale this won't matter as much but you could still get sued. Highly doubtful but very possible.
 
one of my actors wore a "Dickie" shirt. Dickie sews tiny labels on the lower half of the front of shirts. It's impossible to read, but can be seen in the wide shot. It simply looks like a very small tag. But I'm pretty sure this a trademark, Dickie thing.

Im a Dickie for not making the actor change shirts, but I'm gonna let it ride in the film
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top