Bikini Contest Coverage and Releases

What is the deal with distributing a DVD with content shot at an event for which I had press passes for? For instance, I've seen DVD's at on web sites and at Virgin Megastore that show footage shot at car shows. The car show is a public event but you need to get pay to get in. The area I can't figure out is a lot of these dvd's show a lot of the contests that take place on stage i.e. bikini contests. Judging from the level of production, I'm sure they don't have a releases from the contestants.

Girls gone Wild claimed their work was documenting an event / news worthy so I heard their first DVD's didn't have releases. Could the same be said for a bikini contest then? The footage would not exploit it in the sense of using it to advertise another product. The DVD would be about the solely documenting the event.

Is there a place online that I can learn more about this area? I've already looked into the ITVS and have the forms I need. I've also gotten the signatures I need. However, for future projects I'd like to learn more about this. Can anyone recommend a fairly priced attorney that could consult me on this?

tonyota@hotmail.com

Hello Tonyota,
I think I can help you with your question.I have been an official photographer/videographer and director and producer of dozens of bikini contests thru the years.If I am the photographer or videographer I make sure I am the ONLY official photographer or videographer! No cameras or video cameras allowed.
It seems that the car shows you are talking about are not done professionally as the footage is bad. Maybe the contestants did not know that they were being taped. I am the official photographer/videographer that is hired by the venue. I introduce myself to the girls at sign up, they know I am videotaping the event. In 15 years I have not had a contestant tell me NO photographs or DO NOT videotape me. Most taping is done for club promotional use and for the contestants use. Tapes can be purchased by the contestants but not to the general public. I have done promotional tapes in swimsuits for models that they have sold for profit. I charge for my time in videotaping and editing, and they sell the tapes for profit.
If you are the official videographer for any bikini contest do as I do, interview the contestants,get back stage footage, and I have even taped the contestants on location Sports Illustrated style.
If you are just bringing a camcorder and videotaping with out their knowledge then selling bootleg tapes or posting in the web your just asking for trouble!
That is why cameras and camcorders are banned from my events and that is to protect the contestants from shady people trying to exploit girls without their knowledge. Get the club or venue to actually hire you as the "official" videographer .BAN all other camcorders!Get permission from the promoters and venues let the girls know what the tape will be used for!When you cover events especially bikini contests and you will be known on the bikini contest circuit as a professional and honest videographer. Because the same girls enter all the contests in your area and if you get a bad rep you can kiss that venture and your reputation goodbye!
Good luck to all!
Bob

Heres a prime example on how some wannabes will use something and turn it around! I have Hooters of New Mexico as an account, so I do the bikini contests,car shows,and swimsuit calendar entries,in other words all the events through out the year for the local Hooters.
Since it is a public family venue cameras and camcorders are allowed at any event,as most people are just doing it for memories.Apparently some wannabe photographer had taken some photographs of Hooter girls at various car shows and such. So now that he has photographs of some Hooters girls in their outfits, hes been telling unsuspecting girls who dont know him ,that he is the official Hooters photographer. So it shows how something the girls did as a snapshot for a customer can turn into something that could be potentially dangerous for any unsuspecting girl! Since nobody really knows what his motives were,it gave him a bad reputation among 50 girls! And now that his little game has been found out hes now nicknamed " The Stalker".
My point is, when dealing with girls in swimsuits and such,treat them with respect and you will have potential clients for a long time.I do at least 10 Hooter girl and ex-Hooter girl weddings a year both as a videographer and photographer!

Thanks and good shooting!

Bob