pixilation as an alternative to a release form...
 

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.

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.