I am getting ready to start a project and want to know if there is a specific place on the Internet where I can be exposed to legal advice for video/movies/commercials, etc.?

I am specifically wanting to know when I need to get releases and when I don't.

I know this is a basic question but it's where I'm at.

- Jesse

you're not going to get "real" legal advice unless you pay for it. This is not legal advice. That said, you can never go wrong getting releases, talent, location, etc, better to CYA than not.

I have a basic release. And I know to use it when I "feature" someone on a project or when I use a private business or residence.

What I'm truly curious about is public venues, downtown, city parks, etc.

If I shoot a downtown scene, do I need to shoot when I can place only "my" people in the scene or can I use footage I've taken, of people in a public setting, in a short, commercial, feature film, etc.?

BTW, I am also a member of an inventors association and lawers often give, broad, general legal advice to the group.

When it comes to contracts, I go to a lawyer. I just thought there might be a resource for typical legal information in the video/cinema field.

- Jesse

Welcome to DVinfo Jesse. I've moved your post to the "taking care of business" forum which is a better location. Try browsing back through this forum since topics like yours come up pretty often: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/forumdisplay.php?f=40