Contributor Release Form
Knowledge, , ,

The Importance of A Good Release Form

A release form between a video production company and contributors to a video is a vital step in a video production process allowing us to use the footage and ultimately allowing our clients to use the footage. A large part of our work is with real people (as opposed to actors) and everyone has a right to privacy and control over the image and voice. Having a release form that has been sourced via professional legal services is vital in making sure permission to film, record and license the footage of a real person is vital.

What to include on a release form?

All contracts share the same characteristics and a release form is in no way different. A release form should include:

  • the parties involved and their definition (company and participant)
  • the duration and scope of the permission to use the footage
  • the consideration given – how much is given to the participant?

What should a contributor release form look like?

 

COMPANY:                                        COMPANY NAME (the Company)

 

ADDRESS:                                        

 

 

TITLE:                                                

 

DATE OF FILMING:                           ___________________

 

NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR:              __________________________

 

EMAIL:                                               __________________

 

 

 

 

In consideration of the opportunity afforded me by the Company to participate in the video provisionally entitled“PROJECT NAME” (the video) and the payment of one pound (£1) (the receipt and sufficiency of which I hereby acknowledge) and for other good and valuable consideration, I hereby consent to the filming and recording of my contribution to and participation and performances in the Video, the nature and the content of which has been fully explained to me.

 

I hereby grant all the consents, if any, which the Company may require under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

 

I agree that the Company may transfer and assign this Release or all or any part of the Company’s rights under it.

 

The entire copyright throughout the world for all purposes in the Video and in all products of my services hereunder shall vest in belong and is hereby assigned by way of assignment of present and future copyright by me irrevocably to the Company its successors and assigns exclusively TO HOLD the same unto the Company absolutely throughout the world for the full period of copyright and all renewals and extensions thereof and thereafter in perpetuity and the Video and any part or constituent thereof and any such other products of my services hereunder may be altered adapted added to reproduced exhibited exploited dealt with or sold by the Company by any means whether now known or hereafter devised for any purpose whatsoever and whether my engagement hereunder is still subsisting or not.

 

I hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waive to the fullest extent possible any so-called moral rights that may be deemed to be in existence in relation to my contributions to and my participation and performances in the Video and I hereby agree not to institute support maintain permit or support any action lawsuit or proceedings on the ground that the Video produced and/or exploited by the Company in any way constitutes an infringement of any moral rights. I acknowledge that the consideration set out above is inclusive of equitable remuneration for the purposes of any rental or lending rights vested in me.

 

I acknowledge and agree that my contributions towards and performances in the Video and my name and/or likeness may be advertised and used in exploitation of the Video at any time and from time to time throughout all countries of the world in perpetuity.

 

I acknowledge that the Company shall have no obligation to use my contribution or performance in the Video. I acknowledge that I am not entitled to a credit in relation to my contribution to the Video. I hereby waive any claim(s) I may have for loss of opportunity to enhance my reputation as a result of the non-inclusion of my performances and contributions in the Video.

 

I confirm, and warrant that I am entitled to enter unto this Release and I am not under any contractual or other obligations precluding one from doing so.

 

I undertake to keep confidential any matter which comes to my attention in relation to the Video.

 

 

 

AGREED AND ACCEPTED:  ____________________________

(Signature)