Videographers? Photographers?... legal help?
 

Hey guys/gals,

So I have an opportunity to partner with a friend of a friend (so i trust him) who has access and the ability to basically get girls to do whatever he wants in front of a camera. He's even able to get it done without promising them any money, or giving any cash up front. He wants to partner up with me and my site, to launch his "talent agent" career. Naturally i'm excited, but I'm also intelligent enough to realize i have to be really really careful.

Here's what I'm wondering if anyone can help me with.

What is the legal paperwork I have to be SURE I get signed by these girls prior to any photography or videography takes place. And, does anyone have a link to a template, or have a template they'd be willing to share with me of such documents?

List of documents i can think of:
"Yes i'm over 18 and consent to this"
"Yes you can use any videos/photos you take of me in any manner you wish"
"If I get hurt while shooting, I indemnify (company) of all legal responsibilities"

Questions i have:
If you video/photograph girls, what's the normal contractual obligations between you and them? do they normally require money up front? what's your experience here?

Are there lawyers that specialize in the porn business? can anyone recommend any for "cover my ass" purposes?

A statement is not enough, you need proof, eg a photocopy of their passport or driving licence. And if you are in the US you need to publish, on your site, details of who holds this proof.

The legal expression you need is "In all territories, in all media existing or henceforth created, in perpetuity."

Such an agreement can always be broken, as you have a duty of care, and they can claim you were not careful enough (even though they signed away their right). You must get liability insurance (i.e. insurance that pays them if they sue you for injury). If you don't, expect one day to be sued to the point of bankruptcy.

Ohh yes!

However if your friend really can "get it done without promising them any money, or giving any cash up front" make sure the models sign a contract stating what they get in the future, or they are liable to make something up and sue you for it. And it only takes 11 women to successfully sue you for 10% of your profits each before you are in deep financial shit.

We have covered everything I can think of above. However, think carefully about a contract between you and your friend. Never ever go into business with a friend without a water tight contract. Go see the film "The Social Network" for an extreme example. But even if there is no major falling out between the two of you, there will be times when you both thought that the other meant something different that they did mean. A contract between you will not only save your business, it will also save your friendship.

Yes, but they are bloody expensive, even by lawyer standards. However hiring one is a good idea.