Filming stock content is a fun experience and can be a gratifying way to express your creativity while earning an income. However, because our license covers so many uses, we must always be mindful of the legal requirements when creating this type of content.

Here are some of the essential *legal guidelines that Artists should consider and follow at all times:

*This is not an exhaustive list of all the relevant legal issues. The information provided does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney with respect to any specific legal matter you may have.

1. People

Models

All recognizable people must have a signed model release.

More information about model releases for people can be found here.

Recognized people without releases

All recognizable people, even if they are not the center of the frame (anything in the frame that can be used to identify a person), must have a signed release form for either Editorial or Commercial use. See exception at the bottom of the page.

Minors

Recognizable minors should always have model releases for Commercial or Editorial uses. Please note that at Motion Array, you cannot upload any photographs incorporating recognizable minors without a model release signed by the minor’s parent or legal guardian.

Famous people

Content incorporating a character that is similar or identical to a famous person is prohibited without the famous person’s written release (both for Editorial and Commercial use). See exception at the bottom of the page.

Private information on people & objects

Do not include any private information such as ID number /license plates in your shots.

2. Properties

Private property

The rights-holders must approve recognizable private property shown in the submission. This includes public places like museums, hotels, amusement parks, etc.

More information about property releases can be found here.

Architecture

Any shots that feature an architectural object as the main focus must be released by the rights-holder of the architecture. For example, if a shot focuses on a famous building in New York City, you need the rights from the architect. If the shot features the skyline of New York City without focusing on any building specifically, then it is generally acceptable.

3. Brands & Protected work

Brands or trademarks

Brands or trademarks cannot be the focus of the shot or be perceived as the focus of the shot. If there's a noticeable logo in the frame and you are uncertain about it, it probably won't be accepted for Commercial use.

Artwork

All artwork (such as paintings on a wall / sculptures / graffiti) in the frame is forbidden unless you have a property release signed by the rights holder.

Protected designs/unique objects

Shooting protected designs/unique objects that are someone else's design work is forbidden (unless you provide the relevant permission to include them in your Photos for Commercial use). If the design is specific and not standard, it can not be uploaded to Motion Array for Commercial use (for example, a unique design of a teacup)

Well-known design 

If the design of the item is well-known, or it serves as an indication of a company, it can not be submitted to Motion Array for Commercial use. Example: Jaguar or Porsche cars. In these cases, you will need to mark the submission for Editorial use only.

4. Films & Classics

General:

• Copying an entire scene/set design can not be submitted to Motion Array for Commercial use.

• Copying the main features from sets/scenes (such as the positioning, the designs, colors, characters’ looks and arrangements, and camera angles) can not be submitted to Motion Array for Commercial use.

• CD Covers/movie or TV shows posters / Movies or TV shows titles / famous movies / TV shows’ fonts are prohibited on Motion Array for Commercial use. ​

Fictional characters:

• Exact or near identical copying of fictional characters is prohibited.

• Copying a fictional character’s main features (look / body gestures / catchphrases) or borrowing many of a character's features - can not be submitted to Motion Array for Commercial use.

5. Editorial Use

Editorial Use

Assets that can’t be used by our users for Commercial use should be marked as for Editorial use only. These are assets that contain, but are not limited to, - Photos with protected copyright or trademark items such as brands or product logos, recognizable places that require property release, objects or recognizable people (*minors are forbidden in any case) without release forms.

We recommend checking prior to submitting such items to determine whether they should be classified as for Editorial use only.

* You can mark Photos of people (not minors) without a model release under Editorial use in the following situations:

• Current events, like recent protests or nature disasters

• Official events, if you have proper press credentials

6. Drone

Artists must verify that the shots were conducted in accordance with local regulations of where the content was shot.

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Important note: The property owner is not necessarily the owner of the trademarks or other protected designs, objects, or artworks on the property. You are required to obtain a separate license from the correct rights-holder to use those items in content that is for Commercial use (we do not provide such a template for that license).

We hope that these tips will serve as guidelines for your submission process and lead to a better and more time-efficient curation procedure.

When in doubt or unsure, please feel free to contact us at content@motionarray.com with any questions you might have!