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There are other important issues that you will need to think about before you start shooting.

This section gives advice on release forms, insurance and the importance of the disclosure service for groups working with young people.

Release Forms

Make sure you have produced a release form for everyone appearing in the film (the contributors) to sign. Release forms are a legal document which allow the material filmed while shooting to be used in the finished film in any way the editors see fit. It leaves the rights with the producer/production company, who are then in a position to share those, either with the group and/or with First Light and the UK Film Council. A basic release form would look like this:

I understand and agree that:
1) The film crew from XXXXX filmed me for a film entitled XXXXX.
2) Although they filmed me, I may not be in the final film when it is edited.
3) All the videotape with me on it belongs to XXXXX.
4) XXXXX can use the recording of me in their film called XXXXX in any form or media which can be shown in the UK, Europe or anywhere in the world.

Click here for a more detailed example of a release form.

Insurance

Make sure that your organisation has adequate insurance, otherwise you and your organisation could be liable if anything goes wrong.

As a minimum, your organisation should have insurance for employer’s liability, public liability, theft (especially for equipment which is taken off the premises) and for property damage for any premises which may be used for filming.

You will also be responsible for all health and safety aspects of filming. Before filming takes place you should undertake a ‘risk assessment’ which includes (but isn’t limited to) any aspects of the script which may carry some form of risk, or equipment which could pose dangers to young people. This should be discussed with the director of the film and others until you are satisfied any potential problems have been resolved. It’s good practice to make a written note of the risk assessment.

over shoulder shot of boy with earphones on, with some skateboarders in the middle distance

Disclosure is an information service provided by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) – an executive agency of the Home Office. It helps employers and volunteering organisations make informed recruitment decisions in order to protect vulnerable members of society.

Click here to visit the Disclosure website.

boy with cap on back2front looking throught the viewfinder

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