While looking around at the sites on my blogroll when I came across a link (On Theatre Forte I think) to Theatre and Entertainment Law blog. The blog and associated podcast are created by Gordon Firemark who answers entertainment and intellectual property law questions.
I have addressed legal issues in the past, but obviously he is better at it and speaks with greater authority. His blog and podcast cover some of the basic issues everyone asks about like “Can I make a video tape of a play whose rights are controlled by a publisher?” He also addresses more complicated problems like negotiation and enforceability of non-compete clauses.
A little warning before you listen or read his work, while ignorance of the law is no excuse, it also brings bliss. You may be a little depressed to learn just what your responsibilities are in obtaining permissions for what seem to be the most innocuous activities like showing videos in a dorm lounge. Granted he is a lawyer so his suggestion that you do things like get a different release from a model every time you change your shooting location is all about covering every possible contingency that might arise. (He has the requisite minute long disclaimer in the middle of the podcast, of course.) Still, it is good to be aware of the issues you might face in the course of doing business.
Thanks for mentioning my site and podcast in your blog.
It’s true, as a lawyer, I do have to advise the most cautious approach to things like model releases, and sometimes my advice can sound depressing. The simple fact is that this type of advice is often ignored… usually without consequences… BUT, when there are consequences, they’re serious.
When I work with clients directly (rather than publicly via podcast or web), we’re usually able to craft workable, cost-effective solutions that reduce, minimize or eliminate risk, and that give the client a sense of security and confidence in moving forward.
Keep up the good work with your blog!