Model Release Form

What is a model release form?

A model release form is a legal document that grants permission from a model (the subject of a photo or video) to a photographer, videographer, or company to use the model’s likeness, appearance, or other identifiable characteristics for specific purposes. By signing the form, the model waives any claims to the use of their image, allowing it to be used lawfully by the authorized party.

The parties involved in a model release form template are typically the model and the photographer or videographer.

A model release form for photographers or videographers is essential when a model appears in content intended for public distribution or commercial use. This document could be particularly useful for:

• social media content creators;
• gaming or VR companies;
• marketing or advertising agencies;
• photography studios; or
• video production companies.

How to draft a simple model release form?

Creating a well-drafted model release form template is a daunting task for both lawyers and non-lawyers. The wording of a release form shall be clear and without ambiguous clauses, or better said, “write like you mean it.”

The elements listed below are a good example of what every model release form should have.

Scope of Authorization

A well-drafted model release form shall define the scope of rights to use, publish, reproduce, or distribute the content with the model’s image, likeness, or other identifiable characteristics. This section shall include the following components:

• detailed description of content with a model’s image, likeness, or appearance;
• date of creation of such content;
• permitted usage of content (e.g., advertising, marketing promotion, etc.);
• permitted formats of usage of content (e.g., print, digital, TV promotion, etc.).

Territorial Scope

A well-drafted model release form for photographers shall also include the territorial scope of its application. In most of the cases parties choose a worldwide application of the release. Basically, this is the best option for a photographer, as they are free to use images of a model in any part of the world.

However, many models tend to release their authorization for a limited number of defined geographical locations, including specific states, countries, or towns. Usage of the model’s image, appearances, or likeness outside of the agreed geographical scope may result in a potential lawsuit.

Use of Model’s Name

When creating even a simple model release form, a model shall address the usage of the model’s name that may appear along with an image, video, or other artwork. There are several possible scenarios for how a model’s name could be used in a release form:

• First, a model gives explicit consent to use the model’s name without any limitation;
• Second, a model does not allow the use of her or his real name, but instead a fictitious name or pseudonym shall be used; or
• Third, a model prefers to not identify themselves at all.

When a model’s real name or pseudonym is being used, it is common to include an additional clause in a model release form by which a model waives the right to approve final versions of the content before its publication.

Signatures

Every model release form template shall be signed by a model. Without putting a model’s signature, a release form won’t become a legally binding document.

The law does not define the exact way how such a form shall be signed. Therefore, both online e-signature tools and handwritten signatures are acceptable.

When creating a model release form for minors, additional considerations shall be taken into account. A minor model cannot sign a release form by themselves. This is a parent or a legal guardian who is authorized by law to do so. The state laws may stipulate a different age from which a child is considered an adult. For most of the states it is 18 years old; however, in Mississippi, for instance, the age of majority reaches 21 years old.

When drafting a model release form for minors, the full name of a parent or legal guardian should be included at the end of the form along with their signature.

How to customize a model release form at Faster Draft?

To personalize a legal document template, follow a few easy steps below:

1. Click the button “Create Document.”
2. Answer simple questions in the questionnaire.
3. Select a document’s format—model release form PDF or Word.
4. Make a payment.
5. E-sign, download, print, and use a customized template in seconds.