Legal Question in Entertainment Law in New York

Re: short film project without releases from principles

There is some risk of legal exposure for defamation anytime one writes critically of another to a third person. Apart from that, it is probably unlikely to cause the producer to reconsider. Empty threats of legal action are usually ignored.

Without a detailed factual review it is impossible to say whether her rights were violated. Suffice it to say that the normal practice is to obtain written agreements covering both credit and compensation, if any, before making appearances in a film so there might be an argument of waiver that the producers could try and make. Whether she loaned the funds, invested them or donated them is also going to be difficult to establish without a written contract, though money issues tend to be somewhat easier to resolve if there is some evidence of payment and some commercial relationship between the parties. If she wants to pursue these claims, she should contact an attorney specializing in entertainment litigation matters.

This reply is in the nature of general information, is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such.

Re: short film project without releases from principles

Something doesn't make sense. Was your cousing paid for her appearance?If she wasn't and there was no release then there is no right to air the piece if the producers are profitting from the work. If the production is part of a bonafide documentary or is newsworthy, there is no need to obtain a release.

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