David Mack

A question we receive a lot is, "I filmed this content with someone and I no longer want it online, can you take it down?" The answer is complicated. If you signed a model release then you granted the right to post that content to that person, so we can't take it down. There are a few things you can try to get the content removed: - Offer to buy the rights, this works especially well on older content that doesn't sell as frequently anymore. If you're trying to clean up your online image before retirement or moving into a new image for your brand then buying the rights gives you the ability to get the content taken down. You'll have to connect with that person directly to offer to buy the rights so it's not the most efficient if there is bad blood. - Ask them to stop selling it. This may seem obvious but some people are scared to approach former scene partners and ask for them to take it down. Don't be! The worst they can say is no and then you're still in the same situation. It opens up the floor to an offer to buy the rights if they're unreceptive to removal. - Read back through what you agreed to in your release. Sometimes within contracts there are stipulations that will allow you to revoke your consent to having that content sold. Moving forward, always make sure to read the model releases and contracts that you sign and add stipulations to that will keep your brand safe. Creating a list of infringements that would lead to your consent to post content containing your image and likeness being revoked and asking every potential scene partner to include them in releases isn't crazy, it's business.