Rights & Releases Simplified – Model and Location Permissions for Schools and Clubs
Filming in schools, sailing clubs, science labs, concerts, community events or training sessions brings one big responsibility: permission.
Whenever people — especially children — appear in photos or video, rights and releases become essential. They protect you as the filmmaker, protect the organisation, and protect the people being recorded.
At Philip M Russell Ltd, where we film science lessons, sailing races, concerts, club events and tuition content, clear paperwork keeps everything safe, legal and professional.
Here’s how we keep things simple.
Why Releases Matter
A release form grants you permission to:
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film a person, group or location
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use the footage in educational content, YouTube videos, social media, websites or printed materials
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store the footage in your archive for future projects
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avoid legal or safeguarding problems later
Without a release, even a single clip can become unusable — especially in schools.
Model Releases – When Filming People
Essential in schools, youth clubs, and sailing clubs
Children cannot legally consent, so parents or guardians must sign.
Model releases cover:
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permission to appear in photos/videos
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where the footage can be used (YouTube, websites, press, teaching)
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duration of permission
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the right to withdraw consent
Tips for smooth release management
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Use clear, plain-English wording
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Offer opt-out options for students who do not wish to appear
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Keep a register noting who can and cannot be filmed
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Provide stickers or wristbands for “no photography” cases
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Brief staff and volunteers before filming begins
This ensures you never accidentally film someone without permission.
Location Releases – Filming at Schools and Clubs
Location releases give you the right to film on private premises and use the footage commercially or educationally.
A good location release includes:
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name/address of the site
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the dates you are allowed to film
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access rights (e.g., classrooms, labs, pontoons, clubhouses)
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permission to film signs, artworks, branded items
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rules about not filming confidential or sensitive areas
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safety and safeguarding requirements
At sailing clubs, marinas, or National Trust areas, you may also need permission to:
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film on jetties or pontoons
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capture other members’ boats
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record identifiable individuals in the background
Always ask before you start filming.
Keeping It Simple (and Legal)
At Philip M Russell Ltd, our streamlined workflow is:
1. Before the event
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Send release forms to the organisation
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Highlight how the footage will be used
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Provide sample clips so people know the style
2. During filming
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Keep a printed list of approved students
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Brief teachers or club officers
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Use signage stating filming is in progress
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Avoid filming anyone without consent
3. After filming
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Store releases with the footage metadata
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Restrict access to protected or unapproved clips
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Label “no use” footage clearly
This protects everyone — including future you.
Special Considerations
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Drones require additional permissions from landowners and (sometimes) neighbouring landowners
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Safeguarding rules vary by school and club
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High-profile events may require extra disclaimers
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National Trust and sports clubs often have strict location policies
If in doubt, get it in writing.
The Takeaway
Rights and releases aren’t complicated — you just need a consistent system.
A few clear forms and a good workflow ensure that every photo and video you capture can be used safely, legally, and confidently across websites, YouTube, social media and teaching materials.
Good releases protect you, the organisation and — most importantly — the people you’re filming.
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