Are Actor Release Forms Required for Voice Overs?
Actors frequently enter into binding contracts that dictate the work that they will perform, payment to be received, and other terms of the agreement. They may also sign actor release forms. Especially when a filmmaker is going to use the performance for commercial purposes.
But are actor release forms required for voice overs?
Voice Over Copyright Protections
Voice-over talent, like other forms of film industry talent, is subject to some of the same copyright protections. And intellectual property rights protections that are provided to musicians, filmmakers, and other performers.
This means that voice over work can be copyrighted by the original performer that provides the voice over talent.
And that a release form should be provided to the production company or filmmaker that requests (and pays for) the voice over. So that the performance can be distributed under their works.
What are Actor Release Forms?
Actor release forms, also called talent release forms, provide permission to the client. To use the actor’s performance which is filmed during production.
Actor release forms provide protection to clients. Should an actor later decide that they do not want a company or filmmaker to use their performance.
Or, worse yet, if they decide to state that there was never an agreement allowing the company use of the performance at all.
Are Actor Release Forms Required for Voice Overs?
While actor release forms or talent release forms are not required. They are certainly always recommended for any performance that is captured for use in a film or similar production.
A talent release is very important for voice overs. Just like it’s important for a singing or acting performance or for stunt performances.
The talent release forms represent an agreement between the individual providing the voice over. And the individual or company that is purchasing the performance to include in a film or similar work.
Without a release, there is potential that a voice over actor could later decide that they not only do not want their performance used in a production. But also that they never even agreed to having the performance filmed or the audio captured.
The Takeaway
If this were to happen, and a voice over artist were to file a lawsuit against a film studio, production company, or filmmaker. That did not have a signed talent release form in possession.
A civil lawsuit may arise and potential legal issues could further complicate matters. So, are actor release forms required for voice overs? Technically they are not required, but they are incredibly important.
Is it against the law for you to record a voice over without a release form, not necessarily. Especially not if you have permission from the voice over actor.
But in the end, if you’ve made any agreement for voice over talent. You should obtain signed and dated voice over specific actor release forms to protect yourself and your production. It’s a quick formality that can reduce a lot of headaches later on!
