Yikes!! I did a quick search online for video release forms and found that they were poorly written, mired in legalese, and too one-sided. So, I did what any good instructional designer would do, I wrote my own.
I am NOT a lawyer, NOR do I assume that identity on my blog, SO YOU SHOULD check with a lawyer first before borrowing from my attempt (or using it as is).
Still, I'd like to know what you think. Especially if you're a lawyer who specializes in this sort of thing. If you're not a lawyer, but know one, send it to them to get their input.
Here's the document. Download BetterReleaseForm_w1
What do you think?
This is an interesting question. My thoughts:
1. Keep to one page
2. Make sure you define use. I really do not think blanket "all uses including YouTube" would hold up.
3. Some video people get "on-camera & audio recorded" releases too.
4. Pay at least one dollar to talent for signature.
5. Keep it simple.
6. It is all about protection & communication documentation --anyone can start a lawsuit against you! Do you really want advice from a Lawyer?
We get releases from everyone including from parents for minors.
Posted by: Jon Aleckson | Thursday, 26 February 2009 at 12:15 PM
Thank you. I'm creating a release form for my project and this is a big help.
Posted by: Chris | Monday, 11 May 2009 at 11:22 PM
This is a great document and covers all of my needs without much overbloated legal jargon, this is by far the best one I have encountered on my travels around the internet. It just needed a few modifications at the bottom regarding the table with persons details in.
Now only one sheet needs signing to cover Audio, Image, Video.
Fantastic job
My only reservation is, while it looks completely generic without legal jargon, It would be best to consult a solicitor or laywer depending on your country laws. Although it would be hard to find such a person skilled enough to comment in the field of multimedia and the law. It is such a minefield, and as I am in the UK, only recently the taking of photographs of certain places/things has changed and you can be arrested under the terrorism act.
This form goes someway to at least offering some protection, but still best to check it out.
Cheers
Paul
Posted by: Paul Edwards | Friday, 31 July 2009 at 03:29 PM
Thanks so much - I'm going to tweak this a bit - You solved a big part of my professional stress today
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | Tuesday, 26 January 2010 at 07:26 AM
This is exactly what I've been looking for in a video I hope to shoot for one of my classes - and completely coincidentally, from someone who has a background in what I'm interested in pursuing (Edu Psych)! Looking forward to reading the blog as a subscriber!
Posted by: Angelsea | Tuesday, 15 February 2011 at 07:09 PM
I love this form! Thank you very much for posting this. It's MUCH nicer and less "sterile" than the others I found.
Posted by: Glen Acord | Friday, 18 March 2011 at 07:10 PM