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A Talent Release Form is an agreement between any type of creative producer and the talent.
For example, if you are engaging an actor for a promotional video, it is industry practice to have them sign a document that allows you to use that content for your business purposes.
In this sense, a Talent Release Form effectively gives the producer the rights to use that content for promotional, commercial or other objectives related to the project.
Why Do I Need A Talent Release Form?
To ensure both you and the talent are aware of your intellectual property rights from the outset, it’s crucial to set this out very clearly in a document.
This way, if any disputes arise, you have a clear legal document that proves you were given permission to use that person’s talent or content for your business.
What Is Included In A Talent Release Form? How Do I Use It?
A Talent Release Form is often in the form of a deed. This means that it must be signed with a witness present in New Zealand, aligning with the legal requirements for deeds.
A Talent Release Form grants the producer the right to make a recording of the talent, and also transfers all intellectual property rights of this recording to the producer in New Zealand.
The document may outline other ways the producer may use the recording in the future, and will also include terms relating to copyright under New Zealand law.
Other essential terms typically included in such agreements are release of liability and waivers, which are pertinent under New Zealand’s legal system.
It is good (and industry) practice to use a Talent Release Form before a project begins to ensure that you are lawfully able to use that person’s talent for your business purposes in New Zealand.
Need Help?
While it may be tempting to use a template, for a one-off flat fee you can ensure your Talent Release Form is drafted correctly, in accordance with New Zealand law, and tailored to your business.
You can reuse our Talent Release Forms for each new production. You can contact us here or call us at 0800 002 184 to find out if a Talent Release Form would be beneficial for your business.
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