I'm making a how to surf video that will be sold in surf shops all over the country. I've got some footage of some local surfers ripping it up on some waves that I'd like to use in the video. I don't know these people, it's just random footage I took one day while at the beach. Since they are in a public place, do I need there permission to use this footage in my video. What if, unknown to me, one of the surfers is semi-pro and I just happen to catch him on film. He's surfing in a public place for all to see. Can I use that footage without his permission as well? What are the rules about this kind of stuff?

Please help, I'm starting the shoot soon.

Thanks,

Scott

If they can be identified, then you should get their permission to be in the video. If they are unrecognisable blobs in the surf, you are OK. If you were working doing ENG, then you wouldn't need their permission, but this is a different situation.