Comments

craftech wrote on 5/7/2006, 4:21 PM
I'm creating a promo package for a local DJ service. The owner is worried about issues with using footage of kids dancing at proms. Is there any legal issues with using someone's image on tv? This promo package will be used for local advertising on tv and distribution of promotional DVDs.

thanks
Jeremiah
========
Only if the parents raise a fuss. I would ask their permission first just to be on the safe side.

John
ScottW wrote on 5/7/2006, 4:23 PM
Well, besides the issue with music. If you can recognize a face, I'd say it would be a good idea to have a media release from the individual in question. But then I'm not a lawyer and I don't play one on TV, but whenever I videotape a person for use in a production, I always get a signed media release.

--Scott
vitalforce wrote on 5/7/2006, 4:34 PM
I am a lawyer but don't practice in the area of copyright and intellectual property. However, my instinctive response is that anything that is going to be used in advertising and distributed in the media, must have a media release for anyone reasonably identifiable in the video (I believe you can find blank forms for these on the internet, they're pretty basic 1-2 page forms). Someone whose face blurs across the screen during a fast pan, visible for maybe 6 frames (about 1/4 of a second) does not fit in that category--unless it's Barbra Streisand.

Also: Either you or the station that is going to broadcast these ads or promos, needs to have a license to use any music that can be identified on the videos.
xjerx wrote on 5/7/2006, 7:02 PM
Thanks guys....as far as the music goes I'm not using anything the DJ played..just images...the rest is legal music..for a change :o)

Most of the people should not be recognizable as they are quick pans...dark room...and I used an average shutter speed of 1/15 ...so hopefully I won't run into problems...because trying to identify and contact these people would be a pain!

Jeremiah