documentary - need release forms?

I am shooting a documentary at a public event. Do I need anyone on
camera to sign a release form?

It seems that with "expose" stories on the evening news, they're
always showing some lowlife scammer in some undercover sting. You
would think they wouldn't want their face on camera.

Also in Bowling for Columbine, Michael Moore visibly upsets Dick Clark
and Charlton Heston and they both storm off. They couldn't possibly
have signed a release.

Thanks
Mopak

 

Good points.....I'm currently editing a doc I shot in June covering a
musical convention.....I had the performers sign release forms for their
performances and interviews....the general attendees that I interviewed I
didn't bother as I think it's pretty well understood that they are
voluntarily talking to you and know that they are being recorded......it is
obviously not some kind of a hidden camera thing and in the interview they
are answering pointed questions about the event which they are
enthusiasticly talking about.....I also did a section with quick responses
of the "man in the street"....for which I just asked people in a nearby
outdoor mall if they would mind responding to one question and allow
themselves to be videotaped for a documentary.....I of course could have my
A** sued off but I'll take my chances....

 

if you shoot kids make DAMN sure you get permission.....other then that its
a hard call for expose stuff.....ask a media lawyer for proper direction on
this....

 

If you plan on pissing people off in a scheduled interview, get them to sign
a release BEFORE the interview. If you are filming in a private venue, you
should also get a location release from the owner of the property, to save
your butt.

News programming has a few extended privileges in the release category.
They are granted a few more rights in the whole "freedom of the press"
thing.

In Bowling for Columbine, the Charlton Heston interview is obviously
voluntary. If ever brought to court, he could just show the film of Heston
scheduling an appointment to "answer a few questions on camera," as well as
the footage of him voluntarily leading them through his home to the shoot
location.

The footage of Dick Clark is in a public location. Somewhere, there is a
law that states, basically, if you can see it from a public location, you
can shoot it and use it. The crew was on a public sidewalk, filming Dick
Clark, who was on a public street. Had they snuck into Dick Clark's garage
to get that scene, they could be sued.

That's the way I understand it.

 

You can go ahead and shoot without any releases, create a great doc, and
then find yourself in the horrible position of not getting broadcast
clearance.

I would suggest 2 things.

First seek legal counsel from an enterainment attorney who specializes in
film rights.

Then ask an entertainment insurance firm about their release form
requirements for Errors and Ommisions Insurance coverage on documentary
projects, which you will need before any channel broadcasts any project
anywhere!!!
RON CHARLES