Online video is your first step in bettering your business. They not only bring in the crowd, but also help promote the brand and services that you provide. But, many issues could and do arise in the field of video production. Every business wants to have an original video or idea that is unlike any of the videos that are currently live. They want the videos that are produced to become viral and watched by everyone. Not every business is creative enough to come up with its own idea and therefore result in using other material. Before you decide to create another web video, become familiar with the legalities that are associated with video production. Understand the basics of it and utilize each one so that legal issues do not surface.
The video production process involves other parties that are contributing to the video. Permission needs to be granted from every party that is associated with the production. Whether it is an actor or a location, full access needs to be granted before shooting begins to avoid any issue that could come up. This also includes the use of other’s material and the type of usage. Using copyrighted material from others without permission could and will result in many legal issues. Even if it is just a few seconds of their material, ask for permission. No one wants their original material used in another place without being acknowledged for it. Try to make this process as easy as possible for you and the company that you are working with. Avoid these issues at all costs.
Understand what the concept of “fair use” is. “Fair use” allows you to use copyrighted material from other people without gaining permission from the holders of the content. But, “fair use” only calls for a small amount of material to be used, meaning a few segments here and there, not a whole story or video. This is deemed reasonable when the material or video content is worthwhile or considered important, such as a news story or headline. It is not considered important in other forms, such a commercial video or business video. “Fair use” still needs to be understood by all accounts to ensure that all legal matters are taken care of and handled.
If too many issues arise and it has gotten out of your hands, turn to an attorney. This is a crucial step that many companies do not take, in hopes of solving the issue themselves. Consulting with an attorney before production should be included in your business plan. Discuss the legal obligations with an attorney that specializes in the field and knows how to handle the situation. An attorney will inform you on what steps to take to cover your business and what to avoid during the process. This way, you can get a much better understanding of what the downfalls may be and how to fully prepare for the production, including the legal obligations.