As filmmakers, we always need to be sure we have the proper permissions to be able to protect our clients, our work and ourselves. Creating legal paperwork can be time consuming and expensive! Here is a collection of the five most important legal releases for filmmakers.
A bundle of 4 of the top releases you'll need in film production – talent release, materials release, location release, and event release. Plus a master release track and a non-disclosure agreement.
Ever wish someone told you a law degree is necessary for filmmaking or running a small business?
We get it.
Legal paperwork to protect you, your clients, and your work can be overwhelming.
We've been creating films for over a decade, so my friends, we understand the challenges.
The most basic and also, the most important - the talent release. This release can be used for both adults and kids, and means you have the person’s permission to show their name, face and likeness.
The event release is for you to use in large spaces where collecting signed releases from everyone present is not possible. For example, if you were filming at a conference with 1,000 people attending, you would use this document to get permission through the conference and then set up event release signage at every entrance, letting folks know that by entering the space, they are consenting to be filmed.
A location release means you have permission from the individual or the company who owns the space to film and show it.
A materials release covers intellectual property so something someone has made whether it is a song, a piece of art, even a YouTube clip.
And to tie things all together, we have included our master release tracker. This is KEY to staying organized on a shoot and cataloging the permissions you have so that you can easily review them or transfer them to say a client once you wrap a project.
Due to the amount of requests we have gotten, we have included an NDA template for your use as well. An NDA (or non-disclosure agreement) is a contract in which the signee is agreeing to keep all information about the project or methods confidential, unless otherwise directed.
Want to know more about the science of telling impactful stories and building a successful filmmaking business?
Check out Muse’s course, World-Changing Filmmaker.