ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

10 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Hi Michael,

The only release you should consider is the one your own, paid, lawyer gives you to use. This is because when you pay a lawyer for advice, the advice is insured under their professional indemnity insurance. This means if you get sued, and in turn need to sue your lawyer, you can get it all resolved with least risk to your own finances.

That said, I've PM'd you a sample of a release. It uses the term 'consideration', which is because contracts cannot be unilateral, there needs to be an exchange (of implied reasonable value), which usually means payment. Most people use a 'release' as some kind of generic unilateral waiver, so enforceability isn't as great as it sounds. Not that it isn't worth doing - showing intention and understanding will go a long way, and the point of having people sign *something* means they're less likely to try anything on later. Just be aware of this if you're actually making a big-money blockbuster on the cheap ;-)

10 years, 4 months ago - Richard Anthony Dunford

When we had some kid actors in our film we also got a license from the local council as well as having a release form. Something to bear in mind so you're covered.

10 years, 3 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren

Anything cookie cutter for agreements/options/profits/clearance etc etc etc... is cutting corners. They needs to be done professionally or you're asking for trouble. There are some minimum requirements, even for low/no budget filmmakers, like insurance and clearances to name a few. Do it right the first time and avoid the pitfalls that 99% of newbies, and in some cases also people who should know better, make every day of every week... Would you work on a production if you knew the producer team had scrimped on the essentials?

My 2c worth.

10 years, 4 months ago - MICHAEL GORING

blossomfilms@me.com sorry