Posting a filming in progress sign is a good idea. But that one piece of paper isn’t a golden out of jail free card. If you are exploiting someone for-profit or depicting them in a sensitive situation, then it will probably result in a legal issue. Please consult a lawyer before your production, but here are a couple of examples where an area-wide crowd release form is probably worthless.

Where consent has not been obtained, filmmakers must decide if they can still include the image or whether they will need to take steps to obscure the individual’s face. When it comes to choosing the best filming in progress sign, there are a few things you need to take into account. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the sign is highly visible so that people will be able to see it from a distance. Ideally, the sign should be made from a material that is reflective so that it can be easily seen even in low light conditions. Additionally, the sign should be large enough so that it can be easily read from a distance. The Data Protection Act 1998 applies to any person or company ‘processing’ anything within the definition of ‘personal data’. The Court has confirmed that storing, developing and printing photographs amounts to ‘processing’, so by extension recording and exploiting video footage is also likely to fall within the definition. ‘Personal data’ is defined as anything relating to living individuals who can be identified from either that data itself or from that data and other information which the data processor holds or could have access to. CONTENT PRODUCED BY ________________ (“THE PRODUCTION”) IS BEING RECORDED IN AND AROUND THESE PREMISES. ALL PERSONS ENTERING HERE CONSENT TO THE USE OF THEIR PHOTOGRAPH, VIDEO, IMAGE, VOICE AND LIKENESS IN THE PROGRAM, AND IN PROMOTION THEREFOR, IN ANY AND ALL MEDIA, THROUGHOUT THE UNIVERSE, IN PERPETUITY, WITHOUT REMUNERATION. DO NOT ENTER THESE PREMISES IF YOU DO NOT CONSENT TO THE USE OF YOUR PHOTOGRAPH, VIDEO, IMAGE, VOICE AND/OR LIKENESS IN THIS MANNER. EASY TO USE: “Record in Progress” door knob hangers are elegant accessories that fit with all standard door knobs. You will love it.Tree Protection Sign Posters - This set of posters will let people know not to remove fencing, and protect the trees. The resource contains five different signs, all in one place. You should not include any images of people in situations which might be regarded as private (e.g. coming out of a fertility clinic) without their specific consent, ideally in writing. You should not show any images of children without the consent of the child and/or a parent. The following free crowd photo release form has not been reviewed by a lawyer. It is provided for free to the community and is intended to be a guideline rather than a comprehensive, complete contract. Furthermore, many of the provisions may not be applicable depending on the type of studio you operate and the location in which you operate. It may also be missing provisions applicable to your type and location of photography. SLR Lounge is not responsible for any damages, lawsuits, or disputes that may arise from the use of this crowd release form template. The simplest way to comply is to obtain the consent of the individual depicted, either specifically through a signed agreement or by displaying sufficiently prominent and clear notices warning the public that filming is taking place and they should avoid the designated area if they do not want to be filmed. There is a defence for those processing material for the purposes of publishing “journalistic, literary or artistic material” but the data controller would need to show they had a reasonable belief that publication would be in the public interest, having regard to upholding freedom of expression. Filmmakers are unlikely to want to rely on the discretion of the Court in applying this test, so obtaining consent is always preferable. If in doubt, the image should be sufficiently obscured so that the individual is not identifiable. Defamation

Being prepared with both a model release form and crowd release signage is a good production habit for both photographers and videographers. But these are just general tips. I’m not a lawyer. Please consult with a lawyer about the laws for your specific location. Gather the necessary materials: You will need a signboard or a large piece of cardboard, markers or paint, and any additional materials for decoration (optional). Attach the sign securely: Once the sign is completed, secure it to a sturdy surface in a visible location near the filming area. Consider using tape, nails, or any other appropriate method to ensure it stays in place. DO NOT ENTER THIS AREA IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE SUBJECT TO THE FOREGOING. Free Crowd Photo Release Form Template A different threshold applies to a politician or other public figure than to a person who does not work in the public eye. A much higher threshold applies to children, so that it will rarely be appropriate to publish any image of a child without the consent of the child and/or its parents. Data ProtectionPolite No Parking Letter Sign Posters- This handy no parking sign can be displayed on fences and walls to remind people of the areas in which they cannot park. In previous articles, we’ve discussed Model Release Forms, when you need them and why you need them. We also provided you with a model release template. You can find it in our Photographer’s Resources, under Contracts and Forms. When participants signed up for this marathon, they signed a crowd photo release form along with their release of liability. When Do You Need a Crowd Photo Release Form?