What is a Model and Entertainment Release Letter?
A Model and Entertainment Release Letter is a form that allows a photographer or videographer to obtain permission from models to license or publish their photos for commercial usage.
A Model and Entertainment Release Letter is also known as a:
- Model release form
- Photo release form
- Photography release form
- Model waiver
- Artist release form
- Publishing release form
- Model contract form
Who needs a Model Release?
Use a Model Release whenever you enlist a model to act as the subject in photo or video content for commercial use, including:
- Stock photography
- Clothing and jewellery modelling
- Commercials
- Online and print advertisements
Who are the parties in a Model Release?
There are two parties in a Model Release: the artist and the model.
The artist may be a photographer or videographer who is capturing the image of the model. The artist may also be a corporation that is represented by a photographer or videographer. This artist is the one that must have permission to use the model’s likeness.
The model is the individual represented in the photo or video. The model permits the artist to use their likeness for profit.
What is commercial use?
Commercial use of a photograph or video means that the photo can or will be used to advertise a product or service, including print advertising, online marketing, commercials, and more. Commercial use also includes photos and videos sold by alone or as part of a product (like a book, shirt, or album release).
A Model and Entertainment Release acts as a safety mechanism for the photographer or videographer. This form releases the artist of all liability and protects the artist from any claims from the model. It also grants the artist the right to alter and repackage the images.
Editorial use isn’t the same as commercial use. With editorial use, companies or individuals can use an image for criticism or education. Editorial use includes any images accompanying an article in a magazine, newspaper, or textbook that aren’t advertising. If you are using a photo editorially, you don’t need a photography release form.
How do I create a Model and Entertainment Release Letter?
You can create a Model and Entertainment Release Letter by using our template and following these steps. This way, you can ensure that you don’t miss any important information.
1. State the location
Note the location where the photography will take place.
2. State the purpose of the release
When creating your release, you can create a blank release that you can use multiple times or enter specific information. You can use a blank model release template multiple times for one or more models. A specific release is only for one particular model.
You can create a model release for photography, videography, or both.
3. Include the photographer or videographer details
Provide your or your corporation’s name, address (including street, city, county, and postcode), phone number, and email.
4. Provide other details
Provide additional details about the job.
Personal data
Include how long you will keep the model’s data on file.
Personal data includes any information that could identify an individual, including their:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Photographs and videos
- Credit card information
- ID card numbers
- Address
According to the UK GPDR, you can only retain the personal data of the model until it fulfils its purpose. You can’t keep data longer than necessary. To make sure that your form is UK GDPR compliant, provide a specific time to erase the data.
Additional clauses
If need be, you can choose to include additional clauses in your Release Letter. Most contracts don’t need additional clauses. However, you can include an additional clause if you wish to mention terms not already addressed in previous questions.
Pocket-sized Release
Using our model waiver template, you can also choose to create a pocket-sized Release in addition to the full Release Letter.
5. Sign and witness the document
Determine whether or not you wish for your document to receive a witness’ signature. Most documents and contracts do not require a witness for them to be legally valid.
However, all parties should still sign and date the document.
Do I need a model release for event photography?
Typically, no. If no one will use the photos for commercial use, there’s no need for a model release contract unless the photo will be a part of product endorsement or sold later.
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