Some Legalities in making a film.?

Question

I'm working on a film. Its going better than I expected due to the unique theme. I strongly feel this thing will end up getting some attention when completed.
Among the odd twists this film has is the twist that I am doing it all, completely myself, no crew what so ever!
There will be parts where random people may be filmed for background and for instance, heads turning at once toward a sound, however there is no interaction in any scenes.
What are some legal guide lines concerning the publishing of a documentary or film which includes ramdom images of people, people who obviously never signed a release??
Any web sites dedicated to these questions?
I've been searching... found nothing so far. I humbly thank any responses!

Answer 1

You will need:
-On camera releases for anyone you do not want to be sued by
-Location agreements for all location you were standing when filming
-Music rights for all music in the doc

There are other paperwork, like artwork releases, photography releases, but you don't seem to have any of those things in your doc.

The problem is that, while these people may never care, film festivals care. They need you to have the proper paperwork before they'll let you submit a lot of the time.

Answer 2

If the person can be recognized you might have some problems since you are making money on the film, even though it may have been filmed in a public place, where there is no expectation of privacy. You'd better seek legal help for your specific concerns.

The person above is not correct. Usually when an actor "runs down a street" the street has been closed and extras line the street. Obviously you can't just bring a camera crew and set up filming on a busy new york street. You must have permits, etc. and the street would have to be blocked and extras are used in the scene...all of whom know what is going on and where to walk , etc. It may look real, but it is not...it's supposed to look real.

Answer 3

I'm no expert on this category, but from what I understand, if they don't talk, don't interact with any of the actors on camera (basically putting them in the movie), instructing them to do anything while on camera, or showing themcloseup for (if I'm correct) over 2 or 3 seconds, then you'll be fine.

It'll be the same as when an actor runs down a street in New York on a T.V. show. None of those people are paid, so I don't think you'll have a problem.

By the way, could you tell me what the movie's about, or at least what or where to look for it, so I can say I've talked to an award winning director?