Private Investigator at DVinfo.net

Jeff Cook · October 22nd, 2013, 04:58 PM

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.

Don Bloom · October 22nd, 2013, 05:03 PM

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!

Dave Blackhurst · October 22nd, 2013, 05:50 PM

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.

Allan Black · October 22nd, 2013, 06:43 PM

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.

Garrett Low · October 23rd, 2013, 11:21 AM

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.

Bill Ward · October 23rd, 2013, 12:15 PM

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...

October 22nd, 2013, 04:58 PM	#1
Jeff Cook Major Player Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Fresno, Ca Posts: 214	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.

October 22nd, 2013, 05:03 PM	#2
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	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! __________________ What do I know? I'm just a video-O-grafer. Don

October 22nd, 2013, 05:50 PM	#3
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	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.

October 22nd, 2013, 06:43 PM	#4
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,931	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. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.

October 23rd, 2013, 11:21 AM	#5
Garrett Low Trustee Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Novato, CA Posts: 1,774	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. __________________ Garrett Low www.GLowMediaProductions.com

October 23rd, 2013, 12:15 PM	#6
Bill Ward Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 580	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...