Releases

[daisy]

Is there a simple set of legal rules for interviewing or recording in public? 

We're a long way from even beginning, but I was curious about release forms and things like that for people that might agree to be interviewed as well as talking to people on the street or where ever.  How long you'd be required to keep that documentation, etc...
 

Thanks in advance for any input!

[Ralph Roberts]

Basically, you can shoot in public places for nonprofit use but you still have to be careful. It's always best to get a release signed by people you interview and, indeed, from anyone in the background. Check the 'Taking Care of Business Topic' at http://dvinfo.net forums for all sorts of great info on legalities of videoing. ... I have some releases I use that I'll post soon.

If someone is in one of your videos and you can't get a release from them or find them later to get one, it's always safer to blur their faces (you see that a lot in documentaries, etc.).

some specific stuff on filming in WNC may be found here

http://www.advantagewest.com/content.cfm/content_id/204/section/film

that's it for now but somebody (maybe even me) needs to do a class on legalities at URTV.

--Video Ralph

[Ralph Roberts]

and here's an article on photography in public, including some useful links at the bottom:

http://photojojo.com/content/tips/legal-rights-of-photographers/

--Video Ralph

[daisy]

Thanks for those suggestions!