Filming a documentary.

Evil Multifarious

So I am planning on doing an amateur documentary, involving traveling a bit and doing some interviews and man on the street stuff.

When it comes to interviews, putting people on film, distributing your film (hopefully) and the like, I have no idea what kind of red tape I have to deal with. I know people probably have to sign releases and consent forms, etc, but does it change depending on distribution medium, ie youtube versus small local film festivals? Where should I go to find this information and get these forms?

What other possible difficulties and problems might I encounter in terms of logistics of filming a documentary?

lizard eats flies

I'll start off with the requisite I am not a lawyer:

If I were doing it, I would make up the forms myself, and just keep them on me. File them away once signed, probably have them sign 2 copies, and have them keep one, and you keep one. Make it clear and plain language stating all distribution mediums you want to use.

I authorize Evil to use this video which may be edited for any purposes, commercial or not. etc etc.

Basically the form you make should let them know you are making a documentary, you may edit the clip, you may split the audio from the video, and you may be selling the work. I assume that you will not be paying any of these people? In that case I would also make sure that you write in something about how they are not entitled to the profits or whatnot. Make sure you write it nice and clear and dont try to sound lawyer speak. This should be enough to protect you I would imagine. If you are really worried, or stand to make a huge profit off it, you could contact a lawyer, but I think its probably overkill.

And lastly, of course, if people dont sign it, make sure you do NOT use the video.

Leggraphics

You need them to definitely sign a release form for themselves as well as locations. You will also need to file this incase someone comes 10 years down the track and is like. "I didn't give you permission"

If you are filming on national parks or even a friends house you need them to sign a slip saying you give them permission to use the house or the land to film. Councils dont really have an issue with filming most of the time but the permission is needed.

There are other things to worry about like if you catch people in the background of the shot, there are issues with that etc but yeah. Just make sure that you know which council or person owns the land where you are filming. The release form can be fairly general. Unfortunately I am at work but at home I have a copy I can upload to you. Just email me and Ill email it back if you like. It basically just states ' i give you permission to capture me and use me for this film' there are different release forms that put in different things like some people want assurance they arnt made to look like idiots and stuff.

You don't need to specify where the video is being used to much though as long as you have there signed form.

Few tips on docco's. Best lighting for interviews is 3 Point with a light almost behind them to give them a sort of border of light around the hair and face. It frames up well. Remember the noddies (cuts to the interviewer if you are using them) and make sure that things like clocks aren't in the background as people tend to babble on and you get forced to cut them off all the time. Good way around this is to ask questions you know wont give an answer 10 minutes long.

Good luck mate, make sure you post what you do I should post some of my stuff some day...