documentary genre question « Videomaker Community Forums

wolf
Member

I read the following article: http://www.videomaker.com/article/805/

and came up with a question:

People waive their rights once they appear in public and that the filmmaker is protected under the first amendment. However, I interviewed people at a bar or hospital. I have permission from the bar owner, but at this point it's verbal. Is the bar considered public space?

Posted 5 years ago #
kevinwis
Member

This might be helpful:
http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter12/12-d.html

Posted 5 years ago #
compusolver
Member

You have to be careful because the meaning of the phrase "appear in public" can be disputed. I don't believe it would apply to either of the two situations you mentioned. Some people may be put off by a request to sign a release, but if you just verbally ask their permission and record it on your video, that should go a long ways toward protecting you. Don't forget to get location rights from the bar owner, etc.

The focus of your video and even the exact utterance your narrator is giving can also have an effect as was the case when a major network got sued for showing the face of a pedestrian while saying that the area was frequented by prostitutes. The lady pedestrian sued and won, and rightly so.

Posted 5 years ago #
wolf
Member

Everyone's answers have been very helpful. Thank you.

I have another quick question if you don't mind.

I'm entering my film in the 2007 Chicago International Film Festival and I was wondering if that will ruin my chance of entering the 2008 Sundance (or any other festival for that matter).
Also, let's suppose I win the 2007 Chicago International Film Festival; is it possible to get a movie deal from a festival lesser known than Sundance? What is your advice? Thanks

Posted 5 years ago #