A Location Release is a signed permission form youâll need whenever you film in a private location featured in your content. This could be anywhere from a shop, restaurant, to privately owned spaces like gyms or clubs.
We need it to confirm the owner is happy for you to film there and understands how the content will be used.
â Good to know: Youâll be able to submit your Location Release electronically when working on a Vidsy brief.
What outdoor locations require a Location Release?
It's crucial that you follow the below guidelines to ensure we can legally use your content:
đł Public Locations - usually outdoor spaces like parks, beaches or city streets. The rules depend on where youâre filming. Some public spaces are fine to film in without permission. Others, including some parks, need a permit for commercial filming. Check the local guidance for your city or country before you film. Keeping your setup low-key also helps: just you and your phone, with no big lighting rigs or crew.
đ Private Locations - any privately owned location including restaurants, gyms or sports clubs. If these recognisable within the footage then a location release form will be required. Below is some guidance around whether the location is 'recognisable'.
đ Good news: If you own your property you don't need to complete a location release. if youâre filming in a rental property, you can sign the form yourself as the legal tenant.
What are examples of recognisable locations?
These wouldnât need a Location Release:
These would need a Location Release:
What about b-roll content? đď¸
Some briefs ask for b-roll. These are clips you might already have in your camera roll, like holiday footage, days out or everyday moments. Getting a Location Release signed for something that happened months (or even years) ago isnât always possible, and we understand that.
You should be fine to include this footage as long as the location isnât easily recognisable. Look out for:
Heavy branding, such as visible logos or signage
Distinctive features that make it clear exactly where you are, such as a well-known venue or stadium
What about people in my b-roll?
Avoid using clips where bystanders can be identified. Anyone who can be recognised has to be added as a performer in your submission, and theyâll need to sign a release form. Clips where people are out of focus, facing away or too far away to recognise are usually fine.
đĄ Top tip: add a good mix of b-roll to your Dropbox submission. If a shot canât be used because of location restrictions, the team can swap in another one. We never want location rules to stop you including great shots, so giving us plenty to choose from helps.
âźď¸ Reminder: If you've used b-roll in a Vidsy content you should not use that content elsewhere or for other brands.
What if I can't access DocuSign or I'm working off-platform? đ
If you're unable to open the DocuSign form or you're working with us off-platform, you can download and complete the template form.
Just email community@vidsy.co to let us know which brief you're working on, and we'll provide the Vidsy Brief Reference and Vidsy Brief Name fields for you to complete.
You should then fill in the following fields:
Creator Name
Recording Date(s)
Location Address
Location Ownerâs Name
Location Ownerâs Email
Signed By Location Owner
Date Signed
Once completed, send the signed form back to the Community team and we'll take care of the rest đ