We've recently been filming a documentary and have tried with all our might to get releases signed when in a public/semi public location, but it's been almost impossible to achieve in a fast-moving situation with limited pairs of hands.

Is face pixilation generally accepted as legal anonymization in these situations?

Greg

I believe it is, they do it all the time on Cops. Shooting in a public place doesn't require you to get releases from everyone in the video. Say they are just walking on the sidewalk, you wouldn't need a release form, and I don't believe you need to blur the face.

... Is face pixilation generally accepted as legal anonymization in these situations?
It doesn't matter what method is used if you can't identify someone. You don't need any releases signed in a public place. An easy and cheap way to get around blurring faces is to shoot the subject more telephoto and the entire background will be soft.