Good question about publicly-owned facility but privately-operated. I would think that if you can simply walk in, then it is public public, compare to public place where you need tickets or something to get in, like a public performance in Central Park but you need tickets to get in.

Eh. Don't worry about it anymore. I got banned today for shooting video. Haha. And this was after I had just gotten all the release forms signed by the riders/their parents. I think its just because the people there dont like me for some reason. They always make up new rules everytime I come there whether I'm riding or shooting video. So today when she started harrassing me about the video camera I tried to tell her that I fulfilled all her requests but she started giving me a snobby attitude so threw a few foul words at her and she told me I'm not allowed back and I told her I would never come back anyway. It was pretty funny. And right after I walked out I called the guy who is supposed to be in charge of the place and he was a total A-hole and he didnt even know what had happened yet. So I deffinately do not want to go back to that place again. There are far better skateparks around this area that are more friendly anyway.

Do I need spearate releases?
 

I am going to be shooting several non-profit street events in a couple of months. They will have signs alerting people that video is being shot, and by staying they give their consent to be taped.

1. I suggested that we should still have a separate release in their vendor agreements, since we will be taping business booths with identifiable logos, etc, and they will actually be "featured" (not incidental) in the video. Does anyone have some words (maybe one paragraph) that we could include in their vendor contract?

2. If the client has releases from appropriate people, what do I need to do to be covered by these releases? What words should I put in my agreement with them so that these releases pass thru to me, and so that I am protected if they fail to get one?

I still need help with this please.

Some suggested language allowing us rights to use their business name and log would be most helpful. Answers to other questions also needed, but not quite as urgent today.

Hey John
If you check out the FAQ for this section, there is a release form for people in there. You can probably reword it to suit your needs.

Maybe I was not clear. Or maybe I am dense. Let me try again.

I am not worried so much about the people for reasons stated. They are out in a public place, signs posted, etc.. What I AM worried about is using a business sign, logo, or trademark. What I think I need is a release that is similar to what you would get from a soup company to shoot their product in a grocery aisle. Not location, not personal, something else (trademarked product??)

ALso, I have never in all my research seen anything that tells me how to protect myself on a "pass-thru" release that my client has already had signed. Everything I read tells me how to get my own releases (and I have plenty of samples), but in this environment that is probably not practical, and client is going to say "We already have releases". I just want to be sure I am covered by them. I have other projects coming with same issue.

John,

I have a multi-line form that I use at events. It has some release verbage on the top and room for 20-25 people to sign below (name, address, signature). I usually place it at the registration table and everyone at the event signs it. In the rare case (never happened yet) that someone does not want to appear identifiablely on screen, I leave a supply of day-glo orange labels that the person places on their shirt. If I see them ahead of time, I don't shoot. If I don't notice them while shooting, I'll pick it up during editing.

Like I said, I have never, to my knowledge, had someone refuse to sign at an event.

The signs are a good idea also. That is what Disney, Seaworld and other tourist destinations use when they are in a production that might include crowd shots.

Good Luck

Release Sign...Please Help!!
 

Hi everyone,

I need some help quick. I need to find the wording to a release sign that basically states that if you walk through this area, you are giving permission for us to record you. I need one by Sat morning, so all comments are greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Mike

Videotaping in progress. If you do not want to appear on our video, run like hell is chasing you.

OR

Videotaping in Progress. If you walk through this area, you are giving permission for us to record you.

OR

You are now being videotaped. If you object to this, yell really loud and wave your arms like a madman.

okay, I will stop. I must still be tired.... :)

THE COMPLETE FILM PRODUCTION HANDBOOK
by
Eve Light Honthaner

On page 269 - "Wording for multiple signs." There is a release for interior audiences of a show, and one to be placed in an "Area' during taping or filming.

FILMING IN PROGRESS! From ... hours... to .... hours

Production: ...
Representative: ....
Phone: ....

By entering this area (cafe, square..) you are giving permission for your image and voice to be recorded and used in this production.

----

You can add phrases like "the production shall not be liable for injury, damages or loss of property", that would go down badly in most of Europe, but maybe in the States it's wise..
You can print some flyers with more info for people to pick up and take with them...

Thanks to all who replied to this post. We finally used the one out of the Complete Film Production Handbook. Worked out great and there were no complaints at our locations by patrons.


Mike,
MJdoubleD

release form for this one?
 

I've got an auto body repair video coming up at the end of the month. Tomorrow, I'm going to a local car show to shoot some artsy car clips for use in the opening credits and would like to know if you thought it best to use a generic release form or just film without one.

I did the shoot today and brought along some generic release forms...only had one person refuse to sign it.

Not bad at all...got the footage I needed, protected myself, and didn't have a problem doing it.

When I explained that I wanted their car in my project, the cars guys jumped all over it...methinks car guys are ego-centric...lol.

Question about model releases
 

Most of the work I do is commercials, music and performance videos and other scripted shoots. we always get releases from anyone who will be appearing on screen and that's it. I am just embarking on a documentary and many of the shots will be of people in public places (restaurants, parks, city streets) and I was wondering how one deals with that. Obviously if you are shooting in a public place it isn't possible to hand out releases to everyone in the vicinity. Can some one point me to the rules?

Thanks,

Richard Lubash
2K-Plus • Atlanta