Breakdown of a Talent Release Form
A typical talent release form gives you the right to use an actor’s name, voice, image, likeness, and performance. This will cover you for all of your distribution and marketing needs. You should keep your release forms short – a one-page document is often all that is needed. That way, you can easily print them out and pass them to background artists during a shoot.
Most forms have a section to personalize for the production company and project name. Some will also have sections for the director and producer’s name. You can fill out any of these areas yourself before making copies for your actors to sign. This way, the only field your actors need to fill out is their signature.
A proper talent release form should contain sections for likeness release, a liability release, a non-conflict clause, a guardian release clause (for minors), and signature fields. Download our free template.
The form will state that the actor grants you permission to use the footage and any photographs you take for commercial use. It gives an exclusive license for you to use these materials in any way you need to. Including the ability to manipulate and edit the footage, voice recording, and image in any way you choose. It will state that no monetary compensation will be given for the use of this performance unless you have agreed on payment. If you are paying the actor, then list the terms of the agreement on a separate contract document.
Lastly, there will be a space for your actor to print their name and sign their signature. If your talent is under eighteen years of age, their parent or guardian will also need to sign the form.
There is usually often a section for a production representative, such as a producer, to sign the agreement on behalf of the production company. Don’t forget to sign the form yourself as well! This is important since contracts that only have one party’s signature are not legally binding.