Actor Release Forms: The Complete Guide

What are actor release forms? Actor release forms are legal contracts signed by people appearing in photographs, videos, and other images.

The forms protect the rights of the person who is being photographed so that he or she can use the image for personal or professional reasons.

How To Use Release Forms

Actor release forms are often used in commercial photography, such as when a company wants headshots of its employees for its website or brochures.

An actor release form protects the company from claims that it used an image of an employee without his or her consent. However, they’re also useful for personal images.

If you take photos of friends during a get-together, for example, you can protect yourself by having them sign a release form before taking their picture.

Actor release forms are particularly important when taking pictures of children and babies because these individuals may not fully understand what they’re signing and could later claim that you didn’t have their permission to use the photo.

What To Include In An Actor Release Form

Release forms vary in length and wording depending on your state’s laws and the type of images you’re using them for. In general, however, a good release form should include:

The name of the person releasing his or her rights to the image (the actor).

There are three main sections of a release form:

Permissions

This section usually has two parts: the first part releases the production company from liability and the second part releases any individuals appearing in the production from liability. The language should be very similar or identical in both sections.

Appearance

This section is where you will check off all of those people who are going to appear in the film or video, such as actors, extras, crew members, etc. If a person is also providing their own wardrobe for use in a scene, you would list them here as well.

Photographs

This section is optional, but it gives you license to take photographs during the production and use them in any way that you see fit. It also gives you permission to use anyone’s name, likeness and voice that appears in those photographs.

When To Fill Out An Actor Release Form

So, you’ve just shot a video that features one or more people. Now the question is: do you need an actor release form?

   

An actor release form is a contract signed by the actors stating that they will allow your production company to use the footage.

An actor release form is not required for all projects. If shooting in a public venue where anyone can walk by, you are typically not required to have an actor release form. If the person’s face can be seen and you have audio, then it must have a release form.

If the person signs a model release form, but their face is not visible, then a separate actor release form is still required for them to be featured in audio-only.

If you are shooting something that involves children who are minors (under 18), then you must get a parent or guardian to sign each child’s individual release form. You cannot gather several children on one of these forms, each child must have their own form.

Not having an actor release form may result in your footage being unusable and unusable footage costs money!

How To Fill Out An Actor Release Form

If you are a filmmaker and want to film in public places, you will need an actor release form.

These forms allow the public to participate in your film without being liable. You can also find them posted on bulletin boards at schools, churches or other public institutions.

The main information to include on your actor release form is a description of the project and a description of the location where you are filming. This ensures that no one shows up to work on your shoot with the wrong expectations.

Before creating your actor release form, consider why your film needs one. If you have been hired by someone to videotape a wedding ceremony.

For example, then the couple is already aware that they are going to be filmed and releasing any liability for it on camera is unnecessary.

Of course, if this is not the case and you would like them to sign it anyway, then feel free to do so.

Your actor release form should be short and sweet. It should only have three sections: “In consideration of my appearance in ____ (name of project), I hereby agree that I am voluntarily participating in this project and hereby give permission [insert name of filmmaker] or his/her assigns to use my image and/or voice in any manner and in any medium whatsoever without restriction.

You can fill out a release form online. Many websites have interactive forms you can fill out online to save you time and paper. For example, the New York Film Academy’s site lets you fill out a basic release right on their home page; the site of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has an interactive form for performers in addition to one for live audience members.

Some sites let you download a PDF copy that you can then fill out by hand. The Actors’ Equity Association, for instance, has downloadable PDF forms for releases and permission slips that can be filled in by hand. You may also be able to find a generic actor release form on the SAG-AFTRA website.

However, if your production is low-budget or non-union and doesn’t involve minors, you may not need to fill out a release form at all; check with your lawyer or local film commission to make sure.

   

Who Fills Out An Actor Release Form?

It’s not always the producer or director who actually has to fill out the form. It could be an agent or manager, or even an actor themselves. The person who fills out this document is called the “producer.”

The producer is usually the person responsible for getting you in front of the camera. If you’re going to be in a commercial, they might be your agent or manager. If you’re going to be on a reality show or reality-type movie, they might be a producer of that show.

A producer is someone who produces something: a video, audio recording, podcast, music video, movie – but especially television shows where a lot of the filming takes place in their own home. So if you’re doing a scene in your friend’s house and he’s filming it with his iPhone, he’s both the director and producer.

Actor Release Form Template

If you are a producer, you may be searching for an actor release form template. You might also be looking for release forms that you can use when you are filming a project. As a producer, this is very important, so you will want to make sure that you have the forms that you need in order to get your film made.

Trying to find the right forms can be tough, especially when it comes to things like actor release forms. However, if you have a good resource you will have an easier time finding what you need in order to make sure your production goes smoothly.

One of the best resources for finding out what you need is going to be a lawyer or legal professional that works specifically with film releases. This way they can help you with everything from actor release forms to other types of releases as well. If they specialize in this area they should know exactly what is needed and how to get them done properly.

What Is A Film Release Form?

A film release form, also known as a location release form, motion picture location release form, and location agreement form, is a legal document that legally releases a person or entity from liability if they are injured and/or their property is damaged while filming.

One example of using a film release form is if you are the owner of a large home that you have decided to let out for filming. You would require the actors or those working on the set to sign it before you allow them to enter your house.

A film release form also protects the owners of any buildings or locations where the film company is filming. It ensures all parties are protected in case someone is injured, property damage occurs, or other unforeseen circumstances arise.

Looking For Free Video And Photo Release Forms?

One of the most important steps in the filmmaking process is the release form. This document provides proof that the subjects of your film have consented to be filmed and have waived their right to privacy.

   

Without it, you’ll likely be sued for damages or asked to remove the footage from your film.

Trying to find a free video and photo release form? We’ve got you covered. Here are two options:

The first is an easy-to-use release form created by filmmaker and attorney Stephen Fishman, who also happens to write for DIYVideoGuy.com. The second is a more comprehensive form created by PhotoAttorney.com that includes additional information about liability and copyright ownership.

If you’re looking for something even more comprehensive, PhotoAttorney.com offers a complete set of contracts for filmmakers called Filmmaker’s Toolkit. It covers everything from location releases to insurance waivers, and it’s available at a discount if you use this DIYVideoGuy link.

Actor Release Form – Wrapping Up

There are some states that require the production company to send a “release form” to each person who is going to appear in the film or video.

This release form allows the individual to appear in the production without having rights of approval over how they will be portrayed. Many different forms can be used, but they all have the same basic content.

The most important thing is to make sure it’s a release form that you feel comfortable using. The release forms that I’ve provided in this article are just suggestions. Feel free to change them as you wish!

So, there you have it—everything you need to know about the actor release form. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!