Demo Reel Footage usage

[mwoody]

I have worked for numerous companies in the past and have compiled a source footage library of the work that I have done to use for demo purposes for showing future clients my abilities. I now have become a member of a new company that wants to use my source footage to display my work in the company demo. They want to show their clients what I have done as well as display my work on the internet. Just recently I was contacted by a previous empolyer warning me that if I use any material I created when employed with them, they would in turn take me to court to sue me. I just want to show people my skill set. Am I within my bounds to do this. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[qadaq]

Did you do the demos on company time? Did you sign a contract that stated that anything you produced while employed by them is theirs? I don't know the answers here, but I'm pretty sure the lawyers on here will want that info.

 

[mwoody]

I did do the work on company time and as an employee. I did not sign a non-usage agreement nor did I verbal recieve instruction not to not use the footage in any specific way. It is very typical for my industry (Video Production) to request demo's of past work to qualify the abilities you boast. I would understand the restriction if used in as mis-represented or for sale terms, but just for skill display I think should have latitude.

 

[qadaq]

I would think that for your personal use you'd be ok if it's common within the industry, (you're just trying to get a job) but for your company to do so might require that they pay royalties since they're selling your services. The point could be argued that they will get gain from it without paying royalties to one of the owners. (your former company) Doesn't your present company have a lawyer they use? I would think that would be your best resource. Understand, I don't know anything about this, this is just how I could see the laws being written. You might see if you can get a copy of the copyright laws covering this.

 

[CAtroubles]

I'm not an attorney but I have worked in and owned Video Production companies for the past 20 years.

Having a resume reel is one thing... Having your new employer post your past employers work on the web is another. Anyone who veiws those will see them as a representation of your new companies quality of work.. and that is not true.... You will be demonstrating that you did the whole production... but a video depending on the scale can be done by 2 people or 30 people...

If you decide to use this footage..I would use it only in private meetings to help close the sale... I would also make sure you explain your role in each video and what it represents.....not in a demo reel or website..... come up with a more creative way to get that first contact and then use it in a private meeting to close the sale... names of large companies you work with, your role and a few references to back it up...

hope this helps.. and this is just my opinion...