Question about photo of celebrity in film? at DVinfo.net

Josh Monk · February 26th, 2010, 06:55 PM

I have a scene in my film where there are two photos of famous people. I'm wondering who would I contact to get a release. The Photographer or the person in the photo. Or would I need a release at all.

Dave Blackhurst · February 26th, 2010, 07:51 PM

Most likely both, and YES... The photo is likely copyrighted, and the use of the "likeness" is probably also protected...

Any options for using "stand-ins" or made up celebs? Probably faster to make up some posters/pictures than get clearances.

Nigel Barker · February 27th, 2010, 02:34 AM

If you already have shot the scenes then you will need to get permission. If you have yet to shoot the scene then take a look at getting a royalty-free photo from the a service like Stock Photos | Shutterstock: Royalty-Free Subscription Stock Photography & Vector Art Any necessary model releases are included. The costs are very modest although there are some limitations to the license e.g.

In multimedia presentations and incorporated into film and video for television and/or internet broadcast, and theatrical display only where the intended audience will consist of fewer than two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) viewers;

Josh Monk · March 1st, 2010, 02:42 PM

Thanks guys for all the input I really appreciate it.

February 26th, 2010, 06:55 PM	#1
Josh Monk Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 32	Question about photo of celebrity in film? I have a scene in my film where there are two photos of famous people. I'm wondering who would I contact to get a release. The Photographer or the person in the photo. Or would I need a release at all.

February 26th, 2010, 07:51 PM	#2
Dave Blackhurst Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Apple Valley CA Posts: 4,874	Most likely both, and YES... The photo is likely copyrighted, and the use of the "likeness" is probably also protected... Any options for using "stand-ins" or made up celebs? Probably faster to make up some posters/pictures than get clearances.

February 27th, 2010, 02:34 AM	#3
Nigel Barker Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK Posts: 3,531	If you already have shot the scenes then you will need to get permission. If you have yet to shoot the scene then take a look at getting a royalty-free photo from the a service like Stock Photos \| Shutterstock: Royalty-Free Subscription Stock Photography & Vector Art Any necessary model releases are included. The costs are very modest although there are some limitations to the license e.g. In multimedia presentations and incorporated into film and video for television and/or internet broadcast, and theatrical display only where the intended audience will consist of fewer than two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) viewers;

March 1st, 2010, 02:42 PM	#4
Josh Monk Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 32	Thanks guys for all the input I really appreciate it.