Is an Actor Release Form for Short Film Required & What’s Included?
Signed actor release forms are a staple in the film industry, and whether you’re producing a feature film or a short film doesn’t matter. If you’re considering a short film project but you’re wondering whether you should actually obtain an actor release form for short film projects that you’re working on, you’ve definitely come to the right place. Check out the details about an actor release form for short film projects and the individual details that are required below.
What is an Actor Release Form?
An actor release form represents the form that is provided to any and all actors involved in a short film production. These forms are imperative and should be handled prior to any shoot.
The actor release form for short film projects will effectively create a legal agreement between the producer and the actor. Such that the producer will have full permission to use the actor’s voice, image, and performance in the film.
This includes the consent to film the individual, use their images, incorporate their voice into the project, use any and all of the performance in the film and the actor’s likeness.
Is an Actor Release Form for Short Film Required?
If you don’t have an actor release form on file, you run the risk of not being able to distribute your short film. Not only will major distributors turn you down. But you’ll also have trouble getting errors & omissions insurance which could leave you in a further bind.
You’ll be unable to show your film at a film festival or in other situations. And you’ll have a high potential of being sued by the individuals that are involved in the film. For which you do not have signed release forms.
So, when you ask if an actor release form for short film projects is necessary? The answer is – absolutely! In fact, not only do you want to make sure to acquire actor release forms for every major actor in your film. But you’ll need to secure talent release forms from any other people.
Including extras or background talent, that are caught on camera. In fact, you’ll need to have release forms from any individual who’s image, voice or performance is seen on camera. Regardless of how little or how much of the performance is captured or used in the final film.
What’s Included in an Actor Release?
The typical talent release or actor release for a short film will include pertinent details about the film, the film’s production company, and the actor. You will want to include the actor’s name as well as his or her contact information and signature on the form.
Release forms should not be extensive or long, they are generally a one-page document that an actor can quickly read and sign before they enter the production for their shoot day.
The release form should specify that the actor is providing permission to be filmed and to have their name, voice, image, likeness and performance caught on camera and potentially used in a film.
It should also state that signing the release form does not constitute an actor contract. Or any such agreement for the actor’s performance to be guaranteed to be included in the final film project.
Personalized Details
These single page documents should have an area in which personalized details about the production company, the project name, and the individual actor’s details can be included. In addition to the standard legal jargon that is included in all talent release forms of this style and type.
The form should include all of the following:
- A section about likeness.
- Section about releasing liability.
- A section that includes the non-compete clause.
- Guardian release signature section for minors.
- Signature fields for both parties.
Release Form Template
If you’re unsure whether your actor release form for short film projects is prepared and legally viable. You should either consider having your production attorney review it before you begin using it. Or, if you’re on a typical short film budget that is tight.
Consider downloading an actor release form template. And adjusting it to include details about your short film, your production company and the talent you’re working with.
Since these forms are short, and do not constitute a contract that designates a guarantee to use the actor’s performance in the film, using a downloadable template is acceptable in most cases.
Just make sure you’re aware of where the form is coming from. And that is does at least include the pertinent details that we’ve listed above.
When to Use an Actor Release Form for a Short Film
Wondering when an actor release form is required and when you can get away without it? The reality is, actor release forms for short film projects are a necessity for any and all instances in which you have filmed an individual or caught their voice on camera.
And will use the footage in your film. Since you might be unsure as to what footage will make the final cut, you’ll need to secure release forms from all actors, background talent, extras and basically any public individuals that you film during the course of your filmmaking.
The following instances represent times when you should use an actor release form:
- If you’re filming a famous actor.
- You’re filming a professional stuntman.
- If you’re filming an unprofessional actor.
- You’re filming an unprofessional stuntman.
- If you’re filming minor talent.
- You’re filming models.
- If you’re filming animals.
- You’re filming the public.
- If you’re recording the voice of any of the above.
In Summary
As you can see, the actor release form for short film projects is absolutely necessary in virtually any situation. In which an actor, famous or not, professional or not, adult or minor or animal, is caught on camera.
Even if the actor is in full costume and doesn’t look like him or herself, you need a release form. Even if you don’t actually film the actor, but you catch the actor speaking and will use their voice in your film, you’ll need a release form – these are always important!
The use of an actor release form for short film projects is something that entry level cinematographers and producers are likely to forget at times, but you really shouldn’t. While you’ll need release forms from any and all talent that you capture on camera.
It’s also very important for you to get these forms signed prior to production because hunting people down and trying to get them to sign later on can be incredibly tough. And without them, you run the risk of being sued or not being able to distribute your film – or both.
