> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://legal.creatorstudios.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://legal.creatorstudios.io/video-release-forms.md).

# Video Release Forms

Anyone who is recognizable in a photograph or video has a legal right to control how their image is used commercially. So does the owner of a private location, and the owner of branded material that appears on camera. A signed release is the document that transfers those rights. Without it, footage cannot safely be published, advertised against or licensed, and a single missing signature can force a finished campaign to be pulled.

**Collecting these releases is the Client's responsibility.** Section 7 of the [Master Service Agreement](/terms-of-conditions.md) provides: *"The Client is responsible for obtaining all legal clearances required for the performance of services hereunder."* By engaging Serge Creator Studios for any photo or video production, the Client accepts the obligations set out on this page.

## What the Client agrees to

For every shoot, the Client will:

* Collect a signed release from **every person** who appears in or is recorded during the shoot, **before recording begins**.
* Obtain a signed Location & Property Release from the owner of any private premises, vehicle, artwork or other recognizable property that appears on camera, before the shoot date.
* Arrange a **parent or legal guardian signature** for every person under 18, and carry the work permit, employer permit, studio teacher and trust account obligations that California law places on the employer of a minor performer.
* Secure any **film permit** and certificate of insurance required for filming on public streets, in parks or in government buildings.
* Clear all third-party material — music, fonts, stock footage, artwork, other brands' logos and visible packaging — before it appears on camera.
* Send scanned copies of every signed release to **<prod@creatorstudios.io>** within 24 hours of the shoot, and keep the paper originals.

Where a release is missing, the Agency will keep that person or property out of frame, blur it, or exclude it from the delivered material. If a shoot is paused, shortened or rescheduled because releases, permits or clearances are missing, the time and third-party costs are charged to the Client under the Master Service Agreement.

## Which form to use

| Who or what is being recorded                                           | Form                                   | Who signs it                                                            |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Your employees, staff, contractors and anyone working on set            | SCS-REL-01 Media Release               | Each person individually                                                |
| Models, actors, presenters, hosts, influencers, interviewees            | SCS-REL-02 Model & Talent Release      | Each person; a parent or legal guardian if under 18                     |
| Members of the public, guests, customers, attendees, audience           | SCS-REL-03 Public Appearance Release   | Each person, or several at once on the group sheet                      |
| The venue, office, store, home, vehicle, artwork or animal being filmed | SCS-REL-04 Location & Property Release | The owner, or an authorized agent of the owner                          |
| A crowd too large to release one by one                                 | SCS-NOTICE-01 Filming Notice           | Nobody signs. Post it at every entrance and photograph the posted signs |

## Download the forms

Start with the client requirements sheet. It explains the shoot-day rules, the California law behind them, and carries the acknowledgement your representative signs.

* [**SCS-REL-00** — Production Releases: Client Requirements](https://967005181-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJQLew5gR8K3CTEd5YkWM%2Fuploads%2FnFbSxKMQAJ0wEWZOAIaF%2FSCS-REL-00%20Production%20Releases%20%E2%80%94%20Client%20Requirements.pdf?alt=media)
* [**SCS-REL-01** — Media Release: Crew and Personnel](https://967005181-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJQLew5gR8K3CTEd5YkWM%2Fuploads%2FsJduiX2YQpEQZZqxWA6K%2FSCS-REL-01%20Media%20Release%20%E2%80%94%20Crew%20and%20Personnel.pdf?alt=media)
* [**SCS-REL-02** — Model & Talent Release](https://967005181-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJQLew5gR8K3CTEd5YkWM%2Fuploads%2Fg9UaFRMb53NHfnR7w14T%2FSCS-REL-02%20Model%20and%20Talent%20Release.pdf?alt=media)
* [**SCS-REL-03** — Public Appearance Release](https://967005181-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJQLew5gR8K3CTEd5YkWM%2Fuploads%2FMMaza4lnKSszPNHigbKk%2FSCS-REL-03%20Public%20Appearance%20Release.pdf?alt=media)
* [**SCS-REL-04** — Location & Property Release](https://967005181-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJQLew5gR8K3CTEd5YkWM%2Fuploads%2F95BueTd5NfWO6xVOyQys%2FSCS-REL-04%20Location%20and%20Property%20Release.pdf?alt=media)
* [**SCS-NOTICE-01** — Filming Notice, printable sign in English and Spanish](https://967005181-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJQLew5gR8K3CTEd5YkWM%2Fuploads%2F8oJ2SyUbnEYPL9wvVJAP%2FSCS-NOTICE-01%20Filming%20Notice.pdf?alt=media)

## Before the shoot

1. Print enough copies for everyone expected on set, plus spares.
2. Get the Location & Property Release signed and returned **before** the shoot date.
3. Arrange guardian signatures in advance for any minor appearing.
4. Post the Filming Notice at every entrance to the recorded area, and photograph the posted signs.
5. Put one named person on your team in charge of the folder of signed releases for the day.
6. Scan everything and send it to <prod@creatorstudios.io> within 24 hours.

## Notes

The forms are drafted for California law, which the Master Service Agreement selects. Each release contains an express waiver of California Civil Code section 1542 with its own initials line, consent to sound recording under Penal Code section 632, and, where a minor signs, a personal undertaking from the parent or guardian. They may be signed on paper or electronically.

These forms are general production paperwork, not legal advice about a particular situation. If your shoot involves minors, a regulated setting such as a hospital or school, or filming outside the United States, tell us early so the paperwork can be arranged in time.

Questions about these forms: **<legal@creatorstudios.io>**. Questions about a specific shoot: **<prod@creatorstudios.io>**.

*Form set revision 2.0, September 2026.*