Photo to be used on TV, Release question at DVinfo.net

John Saunders · May 18th, 2011, 08:50 AM

I took pictures for a couple and the man is going to be on a tv late night show (don't know if I can say names or the show). The man asked if the show could use a picture that I took. I have no problem with this and am not looking for any compensation (I was paid to take the pictures originally) but I don't know how to release the picture. Do I just say yeah sure go ahead, or is there a good release form available. If it makes any difference I did have the person sign a model release when I took the pictures, so I do own the image and the rights to that image.

Any tips or info would be greatly appreciated.

Paul R Johnson · May 18th, 2011, 11:52 AM

If it's for broadcast, you'll probably get asked to sign one of their release forms - I'd leave it that way because if you're not after a fee, then having them use it with no paperwork is a plus point for you. Their form will probably contain rights for ever - as in "In any territory, for perpetuity". I love that one.

Steve House · May 19th, 2011, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Saunders

I took pictures for a couple and the man is going to be on a tv late night show (don't know if I can say names or the show). The man asked if the show could use a picture that I took. I have no problem with this and am not looking for any compensation (I was paid to take the pictures originally) but I don't know how to release the picture. Do I just say yeah sure go ahead, or is there a good release form available. If it makes any difference I did have the person sign a model release when I took the pictures, so I do own the image and the rights to that image.

Any tips or info would be greatly appreciated.

The subejct's signature on a model release DOES NOT mean you own the image. Model releases and the right to use someone's likeness are totally separate from ownership of the copyright on the image, and "own the image" would mean you own the copyright on it. You said you were paid to take the pictures originally ... who paid you and what rights did you sell them in exchange for that fee? Or were you an employee and made the pictures within the scope of your regular job duties?

Jim Andrada · May 26th, 2011, 10:19 AM

I don't think this one is overly complicated. From what you said there are two parties involved, you and the gentleman in the photo. If he gives the TV show the picture, you would be the only one who could complain about it and you aren't going to complain. I think a note telling him to go ahead would be enough. Just my opinion.

May 18th, 2011, 08:50 AM	#1
John Saunders Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Frederick MD Posts: 69	Photo to be used on TV, Release question I took pictures for a couple and the man is going to be on a tv late night show (don't know if I can say names or the show). The man asked if the show could use a picture that I took. I have no problem with this and am not looking for any compensation (I was paid to take the pictures originally) but I don't know how to release the picture. Do I just say yeah sure go ahead, or is there a good release form available. If it makes any difference I did have the person sign a model release when I took the pictures, so I do own the image and the rights to that image. Any tips or info would be greatly appreciated.

May 18th, 2011, 11:52 AM	#2
Paul R Johnson Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lowestoft - UK Posts: 4,020	Re: Photo to be used on TV, Release question If it's for broadcast, you'll probably get asked to sign one of their release forms - I'd leave it that way because if you're not after a fee, then having them use it with no paperwork is a plus point for you. Their form will probably contain rights for ever - as in "In any territory, for perpetuity". I love that one.

May 26th, 2011, 10:19 AM	#4
Jim Andrada Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 2,211	Re: Photo to be used on TV, Release question I don't think this one is overly complicated. From what you said there are two parties involved, you and the gentleman in the photo. If he gives the TV show the picture, you would be the only one who could complain about it and you aren't going to complain. I think a note telling him to go ahead would be enough. Just my opinion.