crossing out onerous bits of a photo waiver

[narlus]

has anyone ever done this successfully, and still gotten their photo pass? it's always mentioned as a strategy, but i'm curious to hear people's direct experiences.

i've never done it, but i've never had to shoot under a rights-grab contract either.

i was once almost refused my photo pass to shoot the Pogues since the woman couldn't read my writing on the standard House of Blues waiver...I had to write on another copy.

[DDCSD]

I've never done it for a rights-grabber (never had one), but I have put a line through the blank that says "photos will only appear in ___________ publication" without any recourse.

[BJWOK]

i've never done it before, but certainly for that Jane's Addiction release posted earlier I'll be crossing out that line mentioned above by Derek. Will put my initials next to the line also...

Crossing out sections of contracts is done all the time, the only thing that is a concern is that the other party would normally need to initial the change too. Often they are not present when I've signed releases before, which could make it interesting.

[kmb]

Here in Finland, there is always a person from the local concert organizing company handling the press. She would probably not accept a modified contract (she would not have the mandate to determine whether the modifications are okay). I might be successful if I asked to get the manager there, but chances are slim, as we typically get to see the contracts 30-15 minutes before the concert starts (this is particularly nasty as I often sit 4-5 hours in a bus/train to get there and back - which is one of the reasons I choose not to do big acts nowadays).

[hooookup]

I usually just sign Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck. I have crossed out parts of a waiver before and notified the publicist that I dont agree to their terms. Most of the time they are understanding and dont bother me. I think it has more to do with me shooting for a rather large publication and a big wire service though. If I shot for some small outlet or publication they'd probably tell me pound sand.