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Video Release Form template

A video release form gives a filmmaker, brand, or organization permission to record a person on video and use their image, voice, and statements in the finished content.

A video release is a signed consent from someone who appears or speaks on camera, allowing the producer to record, edit, and publish the footage. You need one for customer testimonials, interviews, event recordings, and any production where identifiable people appear, ideally signed before the camera rolls.

Use this template — sign onlineOpens as a ready-to-send document with signature fields placed.
Replace everything in [BRACKETS], export to PDF, then send it for signature.

1. Parties

This Video Release (the "Release") is made on [DATE] between [PRODUCER / ORGANIZATION NAME], of [ADDRESS] (the "Producer"), and [PARTICIPANT NAME], of [PARTICIPANT ADDRESS] (the "Participant").

2. Recording

The Participant agrees to be recorded on video and audio on [RECORDING DATE(S)] at [LOCATION / ONLINE] for [PROJECT TITLE OR DESCRIPTION] (the "Production"). The recordings, including the Participant's image, likeness, voice, name, statements, and biographical information, are referred to as the "Recordings."

3. Grant of Rights

The Participant grants the Producer and its licensees and assigns the [EXCLUSIVE / NON-EXCLUSIVE], [WORLDWIDE / TERRITORY] right to use, edit, reproduce, broadcast, stream, publish, and distribute the Recordings, in whole or in part, in the Production and in related advertising and promotion, in any media now known or later developed, for [PERMITTED USES, e.g. website, social media, broadcast, internal training].

4. Editing

The Participant understands that the Recordings may be edited, shortened, captioned, translated, or combined with other material, provided the Participant's statements are not edited in a way that materially misrepresents their meaning.

5. Duration

The rights granted last for [DURATION, e.g. perpetually / three (3) years]. [OPTIONAL: The Participant may request by written notice that the Producer stop new uses of the Recordings; content already published or distributed before notice need not be withdrawn.]

6. Compensation

In exchange for this Release, the Participant will receive [COMPENSATION, e.g. USD 150 / a gift card / no compensation]. No further payment, royalties, or residuals are owed for uses permitted by this Release.

7. Ownership

The Producer owns all rights, including copyright, in the Recordings and the Production. The Participant waives any right to inspect or approve the finished Production, [EXCEPT: APPROVAL RIGHTS, if any].

8. Participant Statements

The Participant confirms that statements made in the Recordings are their own honest views and do not, to their knowledge, infringe the rights of any third party or disclose another party's confidential information.

9. Release of Claims

To the extent permitted by law, the Participant releases the Producer and its licensees from claims for invasion of privacy, right of publicity, defamation, or similar claims arising from the use of the Recordings as permitted by this Release.

10. Minors and Governing Law

If the Participant is under [AGE OF MAJORITY] years old, a parent or guardian consents on their behalf by signing below. This Release is governed by the laws of [GOVERNING LAW JURISDICTION].

11. Signatures

The parties agree that this Release may be signed electronically, and that electronic signatures have the same effect as handwritten signatures. PARTICIPANT: [PARTICIPANT NAME] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE] PARENT OR GUARDIAN (if Participant is a minor): [GUARDIAN NAME] Signature: ____________________ Date: [DATE] PRODUCER: [PRODUCER / ORGANIZATION NAME] Signature: ____________________ Name: [SIGNATORY NAME] Date: [DATE]

Our take: Our take: editing is the clause people forget. A participant who agrees to be filmed may still object when their words are cut into a different context, so the release should say footage can be edited and combined. Also cover voice separately from likeness, because audio clips get reused on their own in podcasts and ads. For a single testimonial, this template is enough; for a paid actor, add payment terms or use a full independent contractor agreement. Still photos are better served by a model release.

When should you use a video release form?

  • Before filming customer testimonials, interviews, or case studies
  • When recording participants in documentaries, YouTube videos, or podcasts with video
  • When filming employees, students, or attendees for promotional content
  • Before recording a minor, with a parent or guardian's consent

How do you fill in this template?

  1. Enter the producer or organization and participant details.
  2. Describe the production and the dates and location of recording.
  3. Define where and how long the video may be used, and any approval rights.
  4. Set compensation, add a guardian if the participant is a minor, and fill in the governing law.
  5. Upload the release to eSignSimple and send it to the participant for e-signature before filming.

How do you get it signed online?

  1. Save it as Word or PDF. Paste the filled-in text into Word or Google Docs and keep it as a .docx file, or export it as a PDF. eSignSimple accepts both, plus DOC, ODT and RTF, up to 25 MB; Word files are converted to PDF on upload.
  2. Upload and place the fields. Sign up with Google, upload the file and drag signature, initials, date and text fields onto the page for each signer. Set a signing order if one party must sign first.
  3. Send it for signature. Each signer gets a private link and signs in the browser without creating an account. Automatic email reminders go out every three days (up to three) until everyone has signed.
  4. Keep the signed copy. When the last person signs, everyone can download the final PDF with a certificate of completion, an audit trail and a SHA-256 fingerprint you can verify later.

Signing on your own device only? The guide to signing a PDF covers the free built-in options, and the security page explains how signed files are stored and verified.

This template is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and state; have a lawyer review contracts with high stakes.

Written by Buğra Sözeri, founder and editor, eSignSimple · Last reviewed

Buğra builds eSignSimple and writes and maintains its guides. He researches each legal page against the official texts linked on it and updates pages when the law or the product changes. He is not a lawyer, and nothing here is legal advice. About eSignSimple

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a video release for a customer testimonial?

It is standard practice to get one before using a customer's video in marketing, because it documents their consent to use their image, voice, and words.

Is a video release different from a photo release?

A video release also covers voice, statements, and editing of recorded speech. Many organizations use a single combined media release for both.

Do people in the background of a video need to sign a release?

Rules vary by country and by how the video is used. Commercial uses carry more risk, so many producers get releases from anyone clearly identifiable.

Can I get a video release signed remotely?

Yes. Send it through eSignSimple and the participant can sign from any device. The audit trail records the signing time, IP address, and document hash.

Can a video release be signed electronically?

Yes. Upload your Word or PDF version, place signature and date fields, and send it; signers open a link and sign on any device without creating an account. eSignSimple adds an audit trail and certificate of completion. Many producers send the link the day before filming so it is done before arrival.

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