Releases For Use in Film and Video

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Obtaining proper written permissions is the responsibility of the producer. Below are five types of common releases:

1. General Release which should be used for non-actors.

2. Talent Release which should be used with professional actors and models.

3. Minor Release which must be signed by a parent or legal guardian of a minor (the legal age varies from state to state).

4. Materials Release is used for obtaining permission to use photographs, video, film or other media which may be copyrighted or owned by others.

5.Location Release when you wish to photograph, videotape or record property which you do not own.

Sorry, we are unable to give you legal opinions on these matters. Save any of these releases to your hard disk. Proofread and rewrite them as necessary.

19 Comments »

1. 

   Thank you for posting these forms for free. I am new to this and it was incredibly helpful to find such an easy format to use.

   Comment by Marie Segre — June 4, 2010 @ 7:50 am

2. 

   You guys are the best!!! Thank you so much!!

   Comment by Chase Masters — July 12, 2010 @ 9:33 am

3. 

   Thanks from me too, I so appreciate it. This might be a legal question, or a stupid question, forgive if so, but does anybody know if a General Release is good for people interviewed in documentaries. Thanks again, Julius

   Comment by Julius, the Julius — October 2, 2010 @ 11:50 am

4. 

   Yes, I use that release for docs and other projects.

   Comment by Hal — October 2, 2010 @ 10:09 pm

5. 

   THANK YOU!!!

   Comment by Jonathan — February 25, 2011 @ 9:19 am

6. 

   Thank You! This is a great help!

   Comment by Malaika — March 23, 2011 @ 10:26 am

7. 

   Thank you very much. Exactly what I needed! I owe you a beer!

   Comment by CJ — April 1, 2011 @ 8:59 pm

8. 

   Ok, this is going to sound absurd. But

   say for a student film, we forgot to get these signed and there is no way of meeting the actors again. But have their complete agreement, is it better to sign the forms in their names or just leave out the forms completely ?

   Comment by LJ — April 24, 2011 @ 10:07 am

9. 

   Thank you so much. This is going to save me and the non-profit I’m doing a promotional for a lot of time and effort. If I can be of gelp feel free to contact me.

   Comment by Paul Corby Pratt Productions — April 29, 2011 @ 10:31 am

10. 

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I TEACH A DIGITAL ARTS COURSE, AND I FIND THAT YOUR FORMS WERE MOST RELEVANT TO MY STUDENTS USE AND WORKED WELL WITH SOME MINOR MODIFICATIONS FOR OUR PURPOSES.

    ALEX WASHINGTON
    INSTRUCTOR OF FINE ARTS
    THE HILL SCHOOL
    POTTSTOWN, PA

    Comment by ALEX WASHINGTON — May 11, 2011 @ 7:19 pm

11. 

    dumb question…legally, can we just go ahead and start using these forms or does a lawyer need to look at first? Is it that easy?

    Comment by JP — May 20, 2011 @ 10:50 am

12. 

    These documents are a great resource for emerging video producers and film makers. Thanks for sharing them! I will be modifying them to suit a current documentary film project I’m producing in South Australia.

    Comment by danimations — August 4, 2011 @ 5:03 pm

13. 

    KISS principal at their best!

    Do you have similar for use for Director and or a Producer Release Form for work on a doco? Thank you again.

    Comment by Keith — August 22, 2011 @ 3:32 am

14. 

    I plan to shoot/produce a short movie all done outdoors, on public property. I plan to obtain the local jurisdictions permits. Does anyone know if I need release forms for buildings in the background. The shots won’t be on the properties but stores and other businesses will be in some of the footage.

    Comment by Brad white — September 19, 2011 @ 6:11 am

15. 

    The buildings in the background are OK. You do not need any permission from them.

    Comment by Hal — September 19, 2011 @ 7:08 am

16. 

    Thank you so very much for providing useful information on your website.

    Comment by Dewayne — December 2, 2011 @ 5:04 pm

17. 

    I am part of a local non for profit charity that displays a Memorial Day weekend event. Professional photographers usually use this event to take photographs. I welcome them and actually encourage them. The location is on private property. I asked a photographer last year if he would kindly give me some of the photos he was taking at my event. He said “I have to charge you like anyone else”. Is there some kind of agreement I can have them sign?

    Comment by Christine — March 12, 2012 @ 11:44 am

18. 

    Tremendously helpful in getting our new film company off on the right foot! Thanks!

    Comment by 5FamFilms Inc — May 3, 2012 @ 12:58 pm

19. 

    I really want to thank you for publishing these. They helped me a lot and I am very appreciative because I needed them badly.

    Comment by Darius F Talley — May 9, 2012 @ 6:18 pm

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