External Sites with Helpful Information

U.S. Copyright Registration

It’s not necessary to formerly register your original content with the U.S. Copyright Office in order to license it to another party. However, it’s highly recommended and good general practice. It’s easy to register for a copyright online and the fees start at $35 on up. www.copyright.gov

Other copyright related information links:

- Stanford Law School, Center for Internet and Society, Fair Use Project

- Stanford Copyright & Fair Use (Stanford University Libraries) - See their Copyright Overview links

How-to Citizen Journalism sites

Here are a few sites that provide excellent pointers for anyone. They cover tips, techniques and best practices for interviews and camera work.

- Arianna Huffington with Pointers for Citizen Journalists via Huffington Post

- Mashable’s “The Journalist’s Guide to User Generated Video”

- The YouTube Reporter’s Center

- Huffpost’s Eyes & Ears Citizens Reporting

- Videography Magazine at videography.com

- Digital Photography Magazine at dpmag.com

Generic Talent and Location Releases

In some cases, anyone appearing or performing in your photos or videos need to sign a very simple talent/model release form. A location release waiver is also necessary if you take pictures or record video on and around private property.

Here are some online sites that offer generic release forms that you can customize and print.

- DocStock - Do a search for talent release or location release

- Form templates for independent filmmakers on Dependent Films website