Notes on the Documentary Release Form

Notes on the Documentary Release Form

You need a Release Form for anyone who either gives you an interview or who speaks on camera. You do not need a Release Form for people on the street as long as your camera is not concealed.

You will need Release Forms for people who are identifiable in sensitive places even if they are not speaking e.g. hospital waiting rooms, gay clubs, law court corridors.

You should warn your interviewee that you will need a Release Form signed after the interview and get it signed straight away. Try not to leave it until the next day or the next week by which time they may have changed their mind.

Anyone under the age of 16 needs to have their Release Form signed by one of their parents.

It is crucial that the Release Form is not signed under any misapprehension or false pretences. Whilst you do not need to share all your plans or thoughts for the film with the contributors, what you do say must not be misleading. It is best to communicate with your interviewees in writing before the interview so that you have proof that you were clear about the nature of the film.

Most documentary interviews are given for no fee (if that is the case simply remove the clause which refers to the fee). However, many people do now ask for a fee – particularly if the whole film revolves around their contribution. There are no guidelines as to how much this amount should be although it is common for expert commentators such as historians or scientists to receive between £100-200.

In recent years, documentary hoaxing has become more common – you are advised to double check your contributor’s story. You should ask to see a passport to check they are giving you their real name and request appropriate evidence of their qualifications, if you are in any doubt.

Many release forms also contain a clause warning interviewees that they are liable for any libel case might result from their contribution to the documentary.

That clause has not been included here for two reasons. Firstly, it will not protect the documentary filmmaker (and the TV channel that broadcasts it) from being sued if the interviewee has libelled someone. Secondly this clause can frighten off interviewees from taking part to begin with. Remember that the responsibility for good journalism lies with you not with the contributor and see the Legalities of Documentary Filmmaking FAQ for more information about libel.