This talent release is made by
- (a) Permission to Use.
On , the The Creator may record the Talent's likeness, voice, and performance in all media (the "Recordings") and use, edit, exhibit, license, distribute, or otherwise exploit the Recordingsin conjunction with the Talent's name (or fictitious name) in conjunction with the Talent's name (or fictitious name) and biographical material, for any lawful purpose, except for any lawful purpose and in all forms of media now known or later created (the "Recordings Use"). in connection with and any advertising and publicity in connection with that project (the "Recordings Use"). - (b) No Obligation. The Creator's right to use the Recordings does not constitute an obligation to make use of this right.
2. ASSIGNMENT; WAIVER.
The Talent assigns to the Creator all interest in the Recordings, including copyright. The Recordings are the sole property of the Creator, and the Talent waives any right to:
- (a) inspect or approve the Recordings;
- (b) inspect or approve any other recordings, text, graphics, images, or other content created in connection or combined with the Recordings; or
- (c) receive any royalties or other compensation related to the Recordings Use.
- If the Talent receives any print, negative, or other copy of the Recordings, the Talent may not authorize its use by anyone else.
3. RELEASE.
The Talent hereby releases the Creator from any liability for any distortion or illusionary effect or other adverse result arising from the publication of the Recordings, and from any liability for violation of any personal or proprietary right the Talent may have in connection with the Recordings or the Recordings Use.
4. TALENT'S REPRESENTATIONS.
The Talent hereby represents that:
- (a) he or she is a legal adult and has the full legal capacity to execute this release;
- (b) the rights granted under this release do not conflict with or violate any other commitment the Talent has;
and (c) he or she has not authorized and will not authorize or permit the use of his or her name, portrait, picture, likeness or testimonial statement in connection with the advertising or promotion of any product or service competitive to or incompatible with the Recordings; and (d) he or she has read this release before signing it and fully understands its contents, meaning, and impact. (c) he or she has read this release before signing it and fully understands its contents, meaning, and impact.
The Talent is signing this release on the date stated opposite his or her signature.
| TALENT: | |
Date: ________________ | By: _________________________________________________________ Social security number: ____________________________________ |
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Talent release form: How-to guide
A talent release form lets one party record and use another party’s image, voice, appearance, or performance. This second party is often an actor, singer, or other performer. The recording may be on film, videotape, audiotape, or other media forms and may be used in a motion picture, on TV, on the web, or in advertisements.
Whatever the name of the release form is, it grants permission to use the talent or an actor’s name, voice, image, or face in a film, promotional materials, or other commercial purposes.
Your go-to instructions list to create professional talent release forms
Contents to be included in a talent release form
A talent release form lets one party, often a filmmaker or producer, record and use another person's voice, image, or performance. At a minimum, this release form should include:
- A description of the recordings
- Limitations on how the recordings can be used
- Payments for the use of a talent’s image, voice, or likeness in a production
- A talent’s release of claims against the filmmaker for its use of the recordings
Once the terms and conditions of the talent release form are finalized, record them in writing.
Rights of the recorder or production company
If you’re the recorder or production company, you would like to get full permission to use the talent’s image, voice, or performance recordings in your project.
Oftentimes recorders will want a release that:
- Ensures that they will continue to own the recordings.
- Gives extensive rights to use the recordings.
- Sets them free from claims based on the use of recordings.
- Protects them from third-party claims about the recordings.
Obligations and duties of the talent
If you are the talent, consider the following if you are asked to sign a talent release form:
- Are you happy with how the recordings and your name can be used?
- Will you need to defend the creator if they’re sued for using the recordings?
- Will you be required to protect the creator if you’re sued because the creator used the recordings?
Concerns of the talent
As a talent, if you have concerns about the inappropriate use of your recordings, then you should raise your issues with the creator before signing the talent release form.
Timely reviews
Both the talent and the creator should review the talent release form properly. Check whether all the agreed-upon terms are clearly drafted, if there is anything yet to be added, if there is any miss, etc. This will prevent the parties from coming in the future and raising any issues regarding the arrangement.
Need for a witness to sign a standard talent release form
To limit further claims and disputes, you may want to have a witness who also signs the release form. This should be someone who is not related to either party. A witness can help limit claims that the release is not authentic or the signatures were not those of the parties.
Signing and storing of talent release forms
Both the actor and the creator should sign two copies of the talent release form. One release form is handed over to the actor, while the other is kept by the creator.
Legal help
If you have doubts while drafting your talent release forms, it is better to involve an attorney. The attorney can easily draft your talent release forms suiting your requirements.
Important clauses in a talent release form template
Generally, in talent release forms, there are certain key clauses that you can’t do away with. Hence, a talent release form template also includes those provisions to avoid any legal ramifications.
To understand the clauses better in your actor release form, the following instructions will help.
Introduction
The introduction section identifies the parties involved in the release form. In this agreement, the person making the recording is called the creator, and the person who is the subject of the recordings is the talent.
If the creator is a production company or advertising agency, you need to provide the details of that too. The type of organization they are, their address, and contact information.
You also need to mention the amount paid by the creator to the talent to use the recordings.
Permission to make and use recordings
Permission to use: This subsection lets the creator create the recordings and describes how the recordings can be used.
Along with it, you also need to mention the date and day on which the recording will be shot. Including this information clarifies which recording is being talked about in a specific talent release form.
This section also lets the creator use the talent’s name and biographical information in connection with the recordings. This may be something like a mention of the person’s name in an opening or closing credits at the end of a film or text appearing on a photograph.
It also lets the creator use the recordings for any legal purpose and in any kind of media. However, there is a provision that allows the parties to make some exceptions to this broad statement.
You must also provide any limitations on how the creator can use the recordings. For example, the talent may not want the footage used for pornography or commercials for a certain disease.
This section also lets the parties list the specific project for which the recordings may be used. For example, the motion picture tentatively titled “XYZ,” or the “ABC” ad campaign.
No obligation: This subsection specifies that although the talent release form gives the creator the right to use the recordings, the creator has no obligation to use the recordings. In other words, they are the creators to do what they please.
Assignment; waiver
In this section, the talent assigns all of their rights for the recording to the creator. In addition, they give up their rights to inspect or approve them before they are used. They also can’t receive any other payment for the recordings. Whatever they have received under the release is the only payment that will be made.
Release
This section protects the creator from liability for its use of the recordings. In other words, the talent agrees not to sue the creator if and when the recordings are used. In other words, the talent gives up (i.e., “releases”) any claims they may have against the creator.
Talent’s representations
This includes the talent’s promise that they have the ability and authority to sign the release and understand what is being signed.
Signatures
The talent should sign the talent release form with their name, address, and social security number (which may be necessary for tax purposes.)
If there was a third party witness present during the signing then mention the information of the witness too.
Benefits of using a talent release form template
A well-drafted talent release will clarify each party’s rights and list all permitted (and prohibited) uses of the recordings. A talent release form is needed to stop the unauthorized use of:
- A talent’s voice recording
- Talent’s image
- Talent’s likeness
- Person’s face
A talent release form template helps you draft your talent release forms much faster and easier. LegalZoom offers you a template that is simple and easy to use. To use our template, all you have to do is answer a couple of guided questions, complete the form, and download the document created from the template for free.
Frequently asked questions
What’s a talent release form for adults?
Whether you’re creating film, audio, digital, or another kind of media production, you must ensure that you have permission to use your talent’s voice, image, or performance before sharing.
A talent release clarifies the creator and talent their rights. It details important permission granted by the talent to the creator to use their photo, voice, or performance for commercial use.
A basic talent release form prohibits the creator from misusing the talent’s recordings.
What essential details are required to fill out a talent release form?
Here's the information you'll need to have handy to complete your talent release form for adults:
- Details of the release: It includes details for which the talent has granted permission to use their recordings, the project name (if it is a film, then the name of the film), rights of the talent and the creator, and restrictions for using the image, voice, or performance of the actor.
- Who is involved: Provide the details of the talent and creator.
Model Release Form for Adults
Obtain consent from models to use their pictures with a model release form. Get the terms in writing and explain where and how you will use the pictures.
Model Release Form for Minors
Take the necessary permission from a minor model's parents or guardians to publish their pictures. Create a model release form for minors to secure the pictures with consent.
Permission to Reproduce Images
Get copyright holders' consent for using visuals in your projects with permission to reproduce images form. Outline clearly where and how these assets would be used.
Release and Authorization to Record and Use Voice and Likeness
Obtain consent for using someone's image or voice with a release and authorization form. Clearly outline the usage terms and compensation and protect the involved party's rights.
Request for Permission to Reproduce Images
Seek approval to reproduce copyrighted images with a request for permission form. Provide essential details for the copyright owner to assess and approve your request.
Talent Release Form for Minors
Secure permission from parents or guardians to use the minor's voice, image, or performance in media productions with a talent release form. Define clearly the rights and obligations of the talent and creator.