Legal Question about filming weddings at DVinfo.net

Kevin Lewis · April 27th, 2009, 03:47 AM

Ok, this may seem like a ridiculous question but, I was wondering if theres any legal concerns when filming the guests at a wedding. After all, its not like they typically agree to sign a waiver staing that the can be filmed. Does any one think there is need for concern here?

Christopher Glavan · April 27th, 2009, 04:17 AM

My contract includes a clause that states that the bride and groom are responsible for making sure anybody who might appear in the finished product (or any subsequent application of the footage) consent to being video'd. Anyone present for the event is automatically giving consent to have the camera aimed at them, and I'm not liable if they have a problem with it. That being said, I do make every effort to be respectful of peoples' space, and if they look like they don't want to be filmed, I usually don't film them. The focus should be primarily the b&g anyway.

Marcus Marchesseault · April 27th, 2009, 11:06 PM

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe it is fine to tape people in a public setting as long as you don't publicly display them without a waiver. Private video is different than broadcast.

Stan Harkleroad · April 28th, 2009, 07:16 AM

I think a weding is one of those events where it's generally understood by anyone who attends that there will be photos and/or video taken and they might be in them. 99.9% of the time there shouldn't be an issue but you never know these days.

Christopher's method of having a clause in the contract signed by the bride and groom is an excellent idea. That way you have a signed document showing that it was their responsibility to take care of this matter and if any problems arise that should take the heat off you.

Paul R Johnson · April 28th, 2009, 07:52 AM

that's the rub - weddings are not public events, they are private, with guests receiving invitations. Not sure of the law on the other side of the water, but essentially private functions don't have those kind of restrictions. I'd suggest that by accepting the invitation to come, they have accepted the features of a typical wedding, so flash photography, getting your image recorded on video and being exposed to awful guests comes with the invite?

April 27th, 2009, 03:47 AM	#1
Kevin Lewis Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philadelphia, pa Posts: 705	Legal Question about filming weddings Ok, this may seem like a ridiculous question but, I was wondering if theres any legal concerns when filming the guests at a wedding. After all, its not like they typically agree to sign a waiver staing that the can be filmed. Does any one think there is need for concern here?

April 27th, 2009, 04:17 AM	#2
Christopher Glavan Major Player Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Redding, CA Posts: 260	My contract includes a clause that states that the bride and groom are responsible for making sure anybody who might appear in the finished product (or any subsequent application of the footage) consent to being video'd. Anyone present for the event is automatically giving consent to have the camera aimed at them, and I'm not liable if they have a problem with it. That being said, I do make every effort to be respectful of peoples' space, and if they look like they don't want to be filmed, I usually don't film them. The focus should be primarily the b&g anyway. __________________ Reel Impressions Media - Make it more than a memory GY-HD100- 7D- PSC Promix 3- Lectro/Sennheiser- Zoom H4- MPB- CS6/CC

April 27th, 2009, 11:06 PM	#3
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe it is fine to tape people in a public setting as long as you don't publicly display them without a waiver. Private video is different than broadcast.

April 28th, 2009, 07:16 AM	#4
Stan Harkleroad Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Gautier, MS Posts: 175	I think a weding is one of those events where it's generally understood by anyone who attends that there will be photos and/or video taken and they might be in them. 99.9% of the time there shouldn't be an issue but you never know these days. Christopher's method of having a clause in the contract signed by the bride and groom is an excellent idea. That way you have a signed document showing that it was their responsibility to take care of this matter and if any problems arise that should take the heat off you.

April 28th, 2009, 07:52 AM	#5
Paul R Johnson Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lowestoft - UK Posts: 4,045	that's the rub - weddings are not public events, they are private, with guests receiving invitations. Not sure of the law on the other side of the water, but essentially private functions don't have those kind of restrictions. I'd suggest that by accepting the invitation to come, they have accepted the features of a typical wedding, so flash photography, getting your image recorded on video and being exposed to awful guests comes with the invite?