LEGAL STUFF: Do I need a signed release?

If I conduct humorous on-the-street style interviews with passersby, do I need a signed release to air or sell the video? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. / Sam

Hmm okay NEVER EVER SOLICIT legal advice on the internet and this is not one. if in doubt consult a lawyer. Ok after havaing said all that here is my reply.

In most states, if the photography (still or video) were done in public place that's considered public domain so technically NO need for a release. However when you do focus on ONE person that you shoot, you SHOULD. This is because to avoid LIBEL and misapproriation or use of likeness issues. This is why ALL models sign a RELEASE FORM. To be safe and cover anything, you should ask for them to sign a rlease PRIOR to doing anything or you shooting anything.

This is more so if you plan to EXHIBIT (meaning more than one person seeing the work) or PUBLISH it (distribute in public my commercial means/channels).

I'll reiterate the previous comment about never soliciting legal advice from the internet. So use the information you're given with caution.

You are, without a doubt, best off to get a release. The minor trouble of having their signature on paper is well worth possibly avoiding major problems later on. I don't think a signed release offers any substantial protection, but it does give you a response to their "edit me out or..." cries (should they arise). You can simply say "I have a release..." and hope they go away. Of course, if you do recieve complaints, you're still best off to edit them out.

*shrug*

For your purposes, simply asking them on camera if they agree to let their image and audio be used may suffice?

If you're genuinely concerned, though, talk to a laywer.