A legal question

[CraigTarry]

Hello, I'm going to shoot a ten min. DV short soon. It probably will not go to film, but I may submit it to several online sites that show short films. Should I get releases from my actors for this? THey'll be acting for DVD copy, credit and food

Thanks - Craig

[Gordon Highland]

Yes, anyone recognizable on screen should sign a release, and a parent if under 18. You'll need to clear all of your visible logos also, or better yet, just don't shoot them.

[Bmorgan]

Yes, anyone recognizable on screen should sign a release, and a parent if under 18. You'll need to clear all of your visible logos also, or better yet, just don't shoot them.

 

Does anyone have a draft of this type of contract? What all should be included? I'd like to draft one without hiring a lawyer.

[Guest]

For all actors, definately, yes. As others have posted.

 

As for logos, not necassarily, here's some case law:

 

http://writ.news.findlaw.com/commentary/20031023_hodes.html

 

If you denegrate a corporate logo that may be an issue, but then again documentary makers say all sorts of nasty things about big corporations while they are showing the logo on screen and they don't get sued. Ever hear of Michael Moore?

 

However, just not shooting the logos period is good advice. But some times it is unavoidable. You don't have to block out "Ford" in that tight shot of the car pulling up.

 

R,