Today I thought it would be a good idea to start typing up an Actor release form and Interview form. These are documents to allow the actors to give permission for you to film them. This is done so that the person featured in the film can’t claim they didn’t give permission to be filmed. The signature at the end of the document makes it legal proof that permission was granted so that any legal action taking place can be disputed almost instantly (providing that the information about the project was accurate and true).
Actor Forms
The Actor permission forms detail the type of project I am making, and the agreement of the project too. I didn’t want to make the information too hefty, which is why I put most of the info on the interview form.
The first paragraph in he document is for the actor to write their name in the blank space to prove they’ve read it, I let the actor know it’s a student production and I have also named the title of the music video.
I then bullet pointed what the actor would be agreeing to. The first point was giving me the right to use their image in my video solely for the purpose of the project and to be featured in any portfolio’s of mine. I kept it straightforward so that the agreement was easy to understand.
The second bullet point was confirmation that no budget is in this film and therefore the actor will not be paid during or after filming. It also explain that the actor can’t ask for payment during or after filming as it is a student production and no money has been given to fund the project. This was written so that the actor can’t claim that a payment was offered when it clearly wasn’t in the form, and to make them aware that no payments would be made.
The third bullet point was explaining that the video can be used for reference in my portfolio as well as the actor’s. I have no problem with the actor wanting to use the video for reference in whatever they choose to do. If I am planning to use it as a reference in my portfolio then I feel as though the actor also has the same right to do so.
The fourth and final bullet point was the actor agreeing to not demand anything form me or the college. I wrote this point because after production they can’t force me to pay them for being featured in the video, or anything else similar to that.
The last section was just for the writer and me to put down our names and signatures so that we both agree on the terms. Like I said before, this is to prove that the actor has given consent and can’t back track and say other wise in the future.
Consent forms are used in both student productions and the professional industry. I’ve mentioned a few times now but it’s mainly to prove that permission was given from the actor to allow the director/production company to use their image. It’s legal proof that they agreed to be a part of the project, so if they decide to falsely sue the company they have the signed document to prove otherwise.
Interview form
The interview form is quite similar to the consent form, however there is much more detail included and is more personal. One of my lecturers told me about this form in my last project, so luckily I remembered to include it in this one.
The first paragraph basically explains what the video is about and how I would like the actor to present themselves in the video. Due to the poem itself being about someone murdering their partner, I thought it would be a good idea to turn the video into a dark and dramatic visual poem. I asked the actor if they can bring appropriate clothing because of the no budget, I can’t pay for costume. I’m relying on the actors to follow my direction and bring clothing that closely matches the description I give them.
The second and third paragraph mentions that I will be uploading the video to my college YouTube account, and that I will use the final product for any job reference/portfolio I have. I also mentioned that I don’t have an issue with the actor using the video for their reference, as long as it is used appropriately (similar to what I said in the consent form).
The final paragraph of the document is about any further questions the actor has on the video. I included my email so they have a way of contacting me whenever they need any more information on the project. Although I think I have included enough information so far, you never know if there is anything that you’ve missed out that the actor needs to be made aware of.
Just like the actor consent forms, I have a section for both the actor and I to fill in our signature, name and date so that it’s proof we both agree on the terms of the project.
It didn’t take long for me to complete these as I understand how to write these documents. It’s important for both the actor and director to sign these forms as its written proof that an agreement has been made. It also shows that I am able to be professional in my work and understand the legal repercussions if i don’t follow these steps of pre-production.
Like I mentioned before, I am planning on getting the easier documents out of the way first before I progress onto the more hefty documents. Hopefully I will get the majority of the easier documents completed by at least the first week of April – if I keep up this pace then I will be able to start fully planning the video itself.
FINAL MAJOR PROJECT 2019 