Without a signed release form, you basically won't be able to use any footage of this actress in which she's recognisable. Your only other option would be to try and resolve whatever issues she has and get her to agree to sign the release.

Ben C.

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Benjamin Craig
Editor-in-Chief, filmmaking.net

"Without a signed release form, you basically won't be able to use any footage of this actress in which she's recognisable."

That's debatable. One of my friends had a similar problem with an actor, and the advice he got from a guy who produces shows full-time for TV and worked on that movie was that if the actor had turned up for days for the shoot, they could hardly claim they didn't consent to the use of the footage... of course they could still sue you and make your life hell.

Either way, the moral is that you should always get release forms before you shoot, not after: in that case the actor eventually relented and signed anyway.

Now she is upset about how she is being protrayed?

Is she an actress or a reality tv star? I mean people play vile characters all the time and that's not really an issue normally.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

quote:

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That's debatable. One of my friends had a similar problem with an actor, and the advice he got from a guy who produces shows full-time for TV and worked on that movie was that if the actor had turned up for days for the shoot, they could hardly claim they didn't consent to the use of the footage... of course they could still sue you and make your life hell.

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It isn't really debatable. Not having the signed release means you can't prove chain of title for ownership of the finished product. This can cause all sorts of problems with distribution (particularly in the US).

A lot of companies won't touch your product if there's any Is not dotted and Ts not crossed when it comes to this sort of thing, mainly because they don't want the legal hassle (even if they stand a good change of deal of winning the case).

Ben C.

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Benjamin Craig
Editor-in-Chief, filmmaking.net

Hello, I was in Florida three weeks ago shooting video footage of Hurricane Wilma, which I am using in a documentary about the storm and some related DVD products. Two recognizable bystanders appear in my video, as well as one fellow whose voice is heard making commentary at various points. I need all three of these people to sign release forms. All three are being very friendly and have said they would be happy to sign it. Now I just need appropriate language. These people are not "talent" or "extras"-- they are simply people who appear in my storm footage. As I am not paying them, I am concerned about alienating them with a release form that is too hard-edged and "legal" sounding. On the other hand, I want appropriate protections. Does anyone have a release form (valid in the USA) that covers this sort of situation? I would be very appreciative!