Questions on Reality tv? Do you have to sign a release to be shot on camera in the background?

Question

I was wondering sometimes when they shoot for reality tv some people in the background will have their faces blurred. But the overwhelming majority of reality tv doesn't have this. Are all these people signing releases? What is the law on being on camera for tv and in public?

Answer 1

Well as far as Iam aware there isn't,for instance there is this movie out recently which was shot locally and members of the public passing by have a chance of seeing themselves in it,and Iam almost certain there faces weren't blurred out.I think in general the ones that are blurred out is because they found out they were in the background and requested with the company not to be shown-I think the company must agree to this as the person has not actually signed any wrights to be shown.

Also there is a show called "The Real Hustle" which is set out to show you ways which you can possibly be conned without knowing,and the man at the beginning says something along the lines of once these people found out they had been hustled they agreed to be shown on the camera,whereas certain people in the background once they were told the show was filming may have contested that's why they were not clearly shown.

Answer 2

Not necessarily. In cases where everyone is not blurred there is frequently some poor staffer holding up a giant sign that says (in effect) "if you can read this and are in the area you are giving your consent to appear on camera."

Answer 3

My understanding of the law is that they only have to get your consent if they capture your voice on tape.