copyright laws for a non profit movie

[Jeff Chorniak]

I am not a film maker so, please excuse the intrusion. I have been researching my question, and cannont seem to find a comprehensive answer. So...I am asking on this forum.

 

Here are the details:

 

I recently shot and edited a feature length amateur movie in Paris France and London England, as well as Toronto and Ottawa in Canada. There were 4 principle actors, and a script. We discretely shot the scenes wherever we felt like on city streets, airports, art galleries (where camera's were allowed), and hotels. We included whatever, and whoever happened to be in the shot. The project was a personal hobby, not intended for the profit. We were just a family of tourists, shooting little scripted creative scenes here and there in different parts of the world.

 

The movie has been edited and finished. The music is original, and there is no copyright danger.

 

However, even thought this is a personal project to be viewed by friends and family, and not intended for professional use, or for any sort of profit what so ever...what kind of legal trouble can I expect, if this video is shown to the public. ie, posted on a personal website? (not YouTube...although, I can't control if someone else decides to put it out there).

 

Your guidance is appreciated. Any legal references you can direct me to would be appreciated.

 

Jeff

[Adrian Sierkowski]

I would think you would be mostly in the clear. I mean, I know here in Philadelphia we can shoot wherever and whomever happens to be in the background of a shot so long as they aren't the focus of the shot. Furthermore, if you're just sticking it up on your little website, and if cameras were allowed there anyway, then I'd further think you're alright. Now, i may be legally wrong, but it has been my experience that the likelihood of My X or Mrs y happening upon your video at the exact moment in it where they happen to be walking past is rather rare. But, then again, I'm not legal expert, just speaking from experience (or rather the lack of experience of ever being sued because someone walked through a frame)