P3 legal or ethical issues identified and resolved

Legal and Ethical Issues:

Legal:

FILMING IN THE UK

If you want to film on public land you will need permission from the appropriate local authority or council. They are responsible for public land, public buildings, roads and parking. The UK screen agencies can help you get in touch with the appropriate local authority contact.

Entry onto other private property usually requires permission from the property owner and if you want to film on Private property filming may be prohibited or restricted within an area of property by the property owner. However a property owner generally cannot restrict the filming of the property by individuals who are not located within the bounds of the property.

Filming on private property that is generally open to the public (e.g., a field) is usually permitted unless explicitly prohibited by posted signs. Even if no such signs are posted, the property owner or agent can ask a person to stop filming if the person refuses to do so, the owner or agent can ask the person to leave the property. A person who refuses to leave can be arrested for criminal trespass, and many jurisdictions recognize the common-law right to use reasonable force to remove a trespasser; a person who forcibly resists a lawful removal may be liable for battery, assault, or both.


UK Copyright Laws:

Copyright is a legal right created by the law of a country that grants the creator of an original work exclusive rights for its use and distribution. This is usually only for a limited time.

When creating my work it is important that I do not infringe any copyright laws as this would mean I would be liable for litigation. When using audio and music I should ensure that I have the owners permission to use the music or the audio is royalty free. I can get the owners permission by contacting them via email and telling them what I intend to do with their work and state that I do not intend to use it for profit. For my work I am using the music track called 'Adrenaline' by BigGiantCircles (Jimmy Hinson)

In this circumstance however the artist has already provided users with the terms of using his music which are seen below:

Provided I follow these terms I will be not be breaching copyright laws.

Location Release Form:

It is illegal in the UK to film on private land without the landowners consent and could result in litigation and/or large fines. To ensure that this does not happen I have created a location release form to prove that I have permission to film on this property. This form states the timescales in which I will be filming e.g the date and also the landowners signature.

Below is the form:

Model Release Form:

Model release forms are used to protect me from being sued by my actors should they be unhappy with how they are being represented.

When writing my consent form I ensured that it was written in simple English to reduce complications and misunderstandings so was free of jargon. The main points that I addressed were:

- the actor has read and understood information about the project
- the actor has been given the opportunity ask questions
- the actor voluntarily agrees to participate in the project
- the actor understands that they can withdraw at any time without giving reasons and without penalty
- procedures regarding confidentiality are explained.
- signatures and dates of signing for the participant and the researcher

Below shows the signed copy of the consent form: