Can an Actor Sign a Release Form Days After Shooting?

Signed actor release forms are an integral part of any commercial film shoot. They provide a unique agreement between the actors and the filmmaker. This allows filmed footage of a performance to be utilized in various capacities and without potential legal repercussions. Without signed actor release forms, the performance you film does not technically belong to you. But can an actor sign a release form days after shooting? And if so, would there be any potential legal repercussions involved?

At Beverly Boy Productions we recommend getting signed actor release forms from any talent that will be involved in your production well in advance of the production itself.

Doing so allows you to ensure a release is on file for any talent that you film. This way you will know that you have all rights to the performances that you capture on film.

But what happens if you forget to get a release form signed before the shoot?

What Happens if You Forget to Get a Signed Release?

Say you forget to get a signed actor release form prior to a film shoot. It’s going to be vital that you track the actor down and get that release signed before you use any of the footage that you captured in any commercial capacity.

Without a signed release, using the footage is technically not allowed. This is because the actor would have full right to come back and request that you not use it. Or they may otherwise dictate how you may use the footage.

Best case scenario

If you forget to get a signed release form, ask the actor to sign the release as soon as humanly possible after the shoot. You want to be sure that you have a signed release on file.

And if you’re getting the form signed after the shoot, you’ll need to take added steps to backdate the form. With legal respect to the fact that the release was given after the shoot itself took place.

In all, things just get a bit more complicated by having your actor sign a release post-shoot.

Should Actor Sign Release Form After or Before the Shoot?

While the answer to your question, “Can an actor sign a release form days after shooting?” is technically, YES! You really want to focus on getting those forms and agreements signed in advance of the shoot.

It’s not ideal to have an actor release form signed days after shooting. In the event that you forget to get the form for some reason, or you lose the original agreement for some reason, it’s better to get the form signed days later than not getting a talent release signed at all.

So, should actors sign release forms after or before the shoot? Technically before, but can an actor sign a release form days after shooting, yes they can!

The Takeaway

We encourage you to be proactive in getting your actor release forms signed, ahead of production. So that you don’t face any potential legal challenges along the way!