Private Investigator
 

Hello everyone. I was contacted by a Private Investigator who wants me to record some video of him and his crew on the job. My question is...is it legal to show the faces of those they come in contact with, or would I need to blur their face? They want a short Cops style 10-15 minute video shot. Thanks in advance. They want to pitch it for a reality show in Los Angeles.

Re: Private Investigator
 

I'm not a lawyer and don't know the law in your area but I would have to think that if they don't sign off a release you'd be best off blurring the faces. Keep some releases in your pocket filled out ready to go, so if they say OK you're ready and all they have to do is sign off.
Better safe than sued!

Re: Private Investigator
 

You're in Cali-sue-ya... don't feed the attorneys!

Either get releases or be prepared to blur out any and all identifying faces/markings. Better safe than sorry.

Re: Private Investigator
 

A reality show like this won't be plain sailing for the crew, your PI is likely to organise some fireworks for the pilot.

So wear some sort of protection, a bullet jacket comes to mind and get some insurance.

Cheers.

Re: Private Investigator
 

As already stated if the plan is to broadcast the footage you will either need to get a release or make sure they are not recognizable. You may also need to blur any trademarked logos, etc. I've worked a few documentaries and when we're doing any shots where the public could be recognized we have PA's to go get their releases or we take note to remember to blur them in post.

I agree that there could be some fireworks and you're crew should be ready for even the strangest thing to happen, including an angry subject slamming your camera to the ground.

Re: Private Investigator
 

OTOH...if it is a non-broadcast sizzle reel, wouldn't there be a lot more latitude on faces and releases? Granted, it's always safer to protect yourself on the back end, but it the project is clearly shot and delivered as an in-house, never to be seen in public project, I'd not be that concerned about releasing everyone in the video.

Of course, this depends on your trust level with the PI that he won't repurpose the video as an advertisement on his website...