Expert: Jim Boyd - 12/2/2007

Question
a girlfriend of mine was talked into doing a scene.  Prod company did everything by the book (including proof of age, model release, etc), but now she doesn't want the scene to be released, ever.  Unfortunately, she does not have a copy of the release she signed to review with a lawyer.
In your experience, does she have any recourse or opportunity to quietly secure/block the footage?
just want to know if it's even worth her time/efforts to take any action.
Much appreciation for any help.
Thanks.

Answer
Hi Brian,

This is not as uncommon a problem as you think. I know of several similar instances where a girl has simply changed her mind after a shoot. There are a lot of unscrupulous producers out there who are very good at “talking girls into things” or taking advantage of situations.

Unfortunately, I’m going to have to tell you there is probably nothing she can do. When she signed the release she gave up any and all rights to the material in question. The production company is now the soul owner of that footage and can do whatever they want with it. She can still try to fight a court battle to stop the release of the footage, but she will most likely just be wasting both time and money doing so. Model/Performer releases are almost always legally watertight.

I’m very sorry she finds herself in this situation and really wish there was something I could suggest to help, but unfortunately there just isn’t anything she can do.

Jim Boyd