Talent & Location Releases

Michael Bachan, Landon Childers, Dalton Cofer

What is it? Talent & Location Releases Using someone's "likeness" (generally, a photo

or a video of them) without his or her permission can get you into legal trouble -- unless the video is shot in a public place. 

When do you need a release?

Release forms are needed when clearly recognizable people are filmed. Some locations for settings also need a location

release form to be filmed.

Waiting For Superman In this movie, it was difficult for producers to

release film on the children because of their ages. To solve this issue, there were multiple shots of

feet used throughout the movie. This allowed the producers to use shots to be

able to identify the children, without being in violation of any talent release form.

Hollywood Sign The Hollywood sign cannot be legally used to

promote an unrelated commercial cause. Anyone who plans on using the Hollywood Sign

on film must fill out a location release form. Now anyone who uses the Hollywood Sign in film

without written permission, they may be subject to a heavy fine or possible jail time.

Made Made, here at Putnam County High, is a prime

example of Talent and Location Release. Anyone who was captured in a shot had a

picture of them printed out, with a release form agreeing to appear on the show. Those who wanted to be on the program chose to

sign the release, while those who did not gave up that choice to be on television. The producers would focus out the ones who chose

not to be recognized.