Filming stock footage is a fun experience and can be a gratifying way to express your creativity while earning an income. However, because our license covers so many uses, we must always be mindful of the legal requirements when creating this type of content.
Here are some of the essential legal guidelines* that Artists should consider and follow at all times:
*This is not an exhaustive list of all the relevant legal issues. The information provided does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney with respect to any specific legal matter you may have.
1. People
Models
All recognizable people must have a signed model release.
More information about people releases and templates can be found here.
Recognized people without releases
All recognizable people, even if they are not the center of the frame (anything in the frame that can be used to identify a person), must have a signed release form for either Editorial or Commercial use. See exception at the bottom of the page.
Minors
Recognizable minors should always have model releases for Commercial or Editorial uses. You cannot upload to Motion Array any footage incorporating recognizable minors without proper release.
Famous people
Footage incorporating a character that is similar or identical to a famous person is prohibited without the famous person’s written release (both as editorial and as commercial). See exception at the bottom of the page.
Private information on people & objects
Do not include any private information such as ID number /license plates in your shots.
2. Properties
Private property
The rights-holders must approve recognizable private property shown in the footage. This includes public places like museums, hotels, amusement parks, etc.
More information about property releases and templates can be found here.
Architecture
Any shots that feature an architectural object as the main focus must be released by the rights-holder of the architecture. For example, if a shot focuses on a famous building in New York City, you need the rights from the architect. If the shot features the skyline of New York City without focusing on any building specifically, then it is generally acceptable.
3. Brands & Protected work
Brands or trademarks
Brands or trademarks cannot be the focus of the shot or be perceived as the focus of the shot. If there's a noticeable logo in the frame and you're worried about it, it probably won't be accepted.
Artwork
All artwork (such as painting on the wall/ sculpture/ graffiti) in the frame is forbidden unless you have a property release signed by the rights holder.
Protected designs/unique objects
Shooting protected designs/unique objects that are someone else's design work is forbidden (unless you provided the relevant permission to include them in your footage for commercial use). If the design is appealing to the eye and is not standard, it can not be submitted to Motion Array for commercial use. (for example, a unique design of a teacup)
Well-known design
If the design of the item is well-known, or it serves as an indication of a company, it can not be submitted to Motion Array for commercial use. Example: the Jaguar or Porsche cars. In all these cases, you have to mark the footage as Editorial.
4. Films & Classics
General:
Copying of an entire scene/set design can not be submitted to Motion Array for commercial use.
Copying the main features from sets/scenes (such as the positioning, the designs, colors, characters’ looks and arrangements, and camera angles) can not be submitted to Motion Array for commercial use.
CD Covers/movie or TV shows posters/ Movies or TV shows titles/ famous movies/ TV shows’ fonts are prohibited from uploading to Motion Array for commercial use.
Fictional characters:
Exact or near identical copying of fictional characters is prohibited.
Copying a fictional character’s main features (look/body gestures/catchphrases) or borrowing many of the features of the character - can not be submitted to Motion Array for commercial use.
5. Editorial Use
Editorial Use
Assets that can’t be used by our users for commercial use should be marked as editorial. These are assets that contain but are not limited to - footage with visible, protected copyright or trademark items such as brand or product logos, recognizable places which require property release, objects or recognizable people ( minors are forbidden anyhow)* without proper release.
We recommend checking prior to your submissions of such items if these should be classified as editorial.
* You can mark footage of people (not minors) without model release under editorial use in the following situations:
Current events, like recent protests or nature disaster footage
Official events, if you have proper press credentials
6. Drone
Artists must verify that the shoots were conducted in accordance with local regulations of where the footage was shot.
Additional Notes
Important note: The property owner is not necessarily the owner of the trademarks, or other arts, on the property. You are required to obtain a separate license from the correct rights-holder, to use those items in commercial footage (we do not provide such a template for that license).
We hope that these tips will serve as guidelines during your submission process and lead to a better and more time-efficient curation procedure. When in doubt or unsure, please feel free to contact us at content@motionarray.com with any questions you might have!