Video University: Video University Forums: Marketing & Business: Legal Question about "street video"

VideoUniversity.com
Home	Free Library	Store
Free Catalog Please support VU by making your B&H purchases and links through this B&H ad. Doesn't cost a penny more.

See The New VU Postcard Catalog

To post in the forums see the Forum Guidelines.

Join or Renew Today.
New Benefits for all VU Members

Forum Guidelines and FAQ
Main Index	Search Posts
Who's Online	Log In

Home: Video University Forums: Marketing & Business:
Legal Question about "street video"

Jim D.
Novice

May 24, 2005, 10:55 PM

Post #1 of 6 (1693 views)
Shortcut

Legal Question about "street video"	Can't Post

I have a few questions about the same issue. I have this guy who videotapes the city. He wants me to put the clip to DVD. Am I responsible for what I put on DVD for him if he didn't get location releases?

Another issue is he has put an audio track on his video clip of songs (originals words) he sung to COPYRIGHTED JAZZ MUSIC. I asked him about them and he said he mixed songs to become background to his vocals. Again, am I responsible for his release if I edit to DVD for his purpose? I don't ask everyone who wants video if the songs are REALLY there own.

videobear
Veteran

May 29, 2005, 7:47 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1609 views)
Shortcut

Re: [Jim D.] Legal Question about "street video" [In reply to]	Can't Post

Wrong place to be asking a legal question. The right place for that is at some office with a sign like "Abernathy, Filsworth, Funk, Funk, and Milthorpe, Attorneys at Law".

Look for a lawyer who has experience in media law.

Regards,
Doug Graham
Panda Productions

Bob A
Veteran

May 29, 2005, 9:49 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1603 views)
Shortcut

Re: [videobear] Legal Question about "street video" [In reply to]	Can't Post

Beat me to the punch this time! Wink

RickSp
User

Jun 3, 2005, 11:21 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1456 views)
Shortcut

Re: [Jim D.] Legal Question about "street video" [In reply to]	Can't Post

Are you being hired just to author the DVD? If so why would you be liable for how he uses the DVD? If you have concerned about your liability you might have an attorney draft a release for your client to sign specifying your role and holding you harmless on all rights issues.

And yes, consulting a knowledgeable attorney is usually worth the trouble.

Rick Spilman
Meridian Multimedia
www.meridianmultimedia.com

Jim D.
Novice

Jun 3, 2005, 11:36 AM

Post #5 of 6 (1452 views)
Shortcut

Re: [RickSp] Legal Question about "street video" [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for your reply. As you said, it would be wise to have a release. I sort of authored (actually just transferred) the DVD as a favor for a friend for his purpose with no intent of payment. What he does with it, who knows. I had also found an attorney who will answer questions for me.

RickSp
User

Jun 3, 2005, 12:12 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1450 views)
Shortcut

Re: [Jim D.] Legal Question about "street video" [In reply to]	Can't Post

I suspect that you don't have a problem in either case. You are not responsible for his footage because you authored a DVD. Most shooting in a public place does not require a specific permit anyway. This depends where you are, and the circumstances and on and on, but in general it is probably not a problem. The copywrited music issue is less clear but again, producing a DVD should not make you responsible for how it used.

Rick Spilman
Meridian Multimedia
www.meridianmultimedia.com