Make And Post A Line Release

• 1). Obtain a legal document with general area release language on it, letting people know there is filming going on in the area. These release forms should read something like Bowling Green State University's Video / Photo Release Form: "I authorize (person filming) to record and edit into (his/her video/photograph) and related materials my name, likeness, image, voice, interview and performance. The (person filming) may use and authorize others to use all or parts of the (video/photograph). The (person filming) shall own all rights, title and interest in and to the (video/photograph), including the recordings, to be used and disposed of without limitation as the (person filming) shall in sole discretion determine."
  
  
• 2). Make copies of this release form on large pieces of paper that can be easily read from at least 6 feet away. Make as many copies as you think you will need for the area where you are filming to ensure that everyone entering the area will have a chance to see these area release forms. That way they know they are entering an area where they might be caught on camera. If your budget does not allow you to make large copies of the legal language on these release forms, buy large markers so you can write out the legal language by hand onto a material you can post.
  
  
• 3). Affix the large printed out release forms onto poster board or copy the legal language off the release form by hand onto poster board using black permanent marker. Remember, the releases must have text which is easy for someone to read from a distance of 6 feet away so that they will be able to know they are entering an area where filming is going on.
  
  
• 4). Affix these poster boards to all entrances to the area where you are filming or post them close enough to each other so that members of the public who are entering the area cannot miss them. Tape them to walls or trees or other permanent objects beside the entrance. If the location allows you to, screw the poster boards into a permanent structure so that they cannot fall or be taken down easily. It is important that all entrances have at least one area release posted beside them so that people entering the area will have the opportunity to know what is going on.
  
  
• 5). Film or photograph all of the posted area releases to prove that they were posted and where they were posted in relation to where the shooting was going on. This is merely for legal purposes in case someone who is caught on camera sues the production company, claiming there were no area releases or that they were not posted clearly or correctly.