Scope of Release Form

[jfrancho]

I am considering taking an offer to document an event security team doing their thing at a music festival. The company's owner would be the customer. I haven't gotten into the whole ball of wax of what to charge, and what he wants for prints, and my question doesn't relate to that aspect of the business transaction. My question is: will I need each and every employee sign a release form, or will the owner be able to proxy his signature on behalf of his company, therefore including all the employees? I want the releases so that I may be able to use the pictures elsewhere, perhaps for self promotion or advertisement.

[Longwatcher]

I am guessing that unless the employees get photographed on a regular basis, which I doubt they do being event security. You will most likely need a release from each person that is depicted in the photos for your use (especially if you plan on possibly making money off the photos yourself).

If only for self-promotion, and you are showing it in a documentary fashion, you probably don't need model releases.

All of the above is based on what I would be likely to do in same situation, however, consult a lawyer for accurate information.

[jfrancho]

Thanks, LW. After more thought, I think I'll try to get releases from all of the employees. Shouldn't be too hard, they're a pretty nice bunch of BIG people. The way I figure, if the pictures were for a newspaper story, I'd be ok. But later down the line, I'd like to be assured free usage without hassle. Best to be on the up and up.

[tim]

There's no downside to getting released, and there are potential downsides to not getting them. Easy choice I rekon :)

[robertwgross]

I think I'll try to get releases from all of the employees.

That can work, but it would be easier if the company management gets the employees to sign one common release form.

Look at it this way. Why would the employees want to sign anything for you? You don't have any business relationship with them. You do have a business relationship with the company management, and they have a business relationship with the employees. The employees are typically quick to sign something that the boss asks for.

---Bob Gros---

[Rigrider]

Mr. Gross beat me to my point. Perhaps, as part of the contract, make it the bosses responsability to get you signed releases BEFORE you go and shoot. This way you can make sure all is in order before hand.
Also don't forget about the "audiance" at the event. If you get a clearly recognizable shot of someone in the crowd, you may want and assistant to go get a release signed.

L8r,

[Jon, The Elder]

Echoing previous comments- I shot industrials for many years, the (then) Big 3 and other heavy industry companies. If the work is to be used for the clients end product, then it is their responsibility to get releases.
We went the other way and got the company to sign a waiver stating we (the agency) was NOT responsible for getting proper individual releases. It is a pain chasing people down and then you have to compensate them with a stipend of some amount to make it binding.
Make sure it is in the scope of the project as to who is responsible.
Had someone's ex-wife once claim for compensation - the release was all that saved the situation.