[Mister X]

Originally posted by fish
hi. if i wanted to shoot my own content for my own paysite..
what records, documents, papers, etc should i have of the models? should i just ask them to just sign a piece of paper saying they're of legal age? that they're willing to have the pictures posted on a website?

please help. it's going to be my first time trying this.

thanks guys.

In a one word answer: NOOOOOO!

To clarify: You need to keep records of a model's identification. I would suggest both electronic and hard copies of at LEAST 2 pieces of identification. One MUST be a driver's license or similar with a photo and date of birth info. Also a picture of the girl holding those 2 pieces of ID up in proximity to her face is advisable. Part of the rule of thumb for such a thing is called due diligence. That means you have to do your best to make sure that the girl is of legal age. If you don't have a photo ID on file then it's pretty easy for a prosecutor to argue that you didn't fullfill the requirements of the law. Even having photo ID isn't enough to save your ass completely in every case if she does turn out to be underage and using fake ID, but it sure as hell helps.

You of course also need a signed model release that spells out exactly the situation for the girl. That you will hold all rights tp the pictures and she won't be paid any royalties for sure. It also needs to be clearly stated that the girl is not an employee and is in fact a private contractor so that you can't be expected to pay any unemployment, etc premiums. It should also list the possible uses to which the pics might be put, such as inclusion on a website, magazine or other print media uses, etc. but in a legal language which makes it clear that those are not the only uses. And the list goes on. The easiest thing to do is to find a content producer in your area and ask him nicely for a copy of his release form. It's way too serious a situation to get into with just some scribbled words on a piece of paper and a signature.

Good Luck