Why Do Creators Need a Talent Release Form?

If you are engaging a model, actor, or actress for producing video, still photography, or voice recording, it's important to prepare a talent release form that should be signed before the start of production. A talent release form indicates that your production is conducted professionally. It’s a legal document that is created to allow you as the creator to distribute the content that has the involved talents and prevent you from illegal conflicts. In other words, a talent release clarifies creator and talent rights as well as authorizes the creator to use that content for promotional, commercial, or other purposes related to the project.

Let’s get into the details about the talent release form. First off, the term talent can both refer to professional actors or models and nonprofessional, unpaid actors and even apply to pets or other animals owned by someone. Legally, the talent must be over 18 years old--if not then the talent’s parents or legal guardian will need to sign the form.

The creator and the talent should be aware of their intellectual property rights from the very beginning. Thus it’s necessary to set this all out very clearly in a document. By signing a talent release form, the talents confirm that they are a part of your project. This also means that they put off their rights to approve or disapprove of the finished content. When it comes to getting people to sign a piece of paper that waives some of their rights, take the time to show that you care about their concerns. Be sure to explain it to them clearly and let them know how happy you are that they’re participating.

A standard talent release should cover the talent and creator’s contact info as well as the details of the release that includes permissions, rights, and restrictions. Details of the release may vary, depending on the requirement and purpose of the project. It is a relatively short and simple document yet it’s important to be completed so that issues do not appear later when your project is published.

Things to keep in mind: be well prepared beforehand and make sure you have the right documents, to start with. Involve your talent by making them feel a part of the project. Once signed, store the forms securely and well organized. If you follow the necessary steps, talent release forms are such peace of mind. 

At Supercool Studio, we use our own talent release and you can download it for free.