A Canadian Media (Video) Release of Liability Form is a legal document through which an individual (the Releasor) grants permission to another person or organization (the Releasee) to use their image, likeness, voice, and other identifiable features in connection with a video project or media production. This form serves as both a consent document under Canadian privacy law and a waiver of liability for claims related to the use of the Releasor's personal attributes in media content.

Canadian law protects personality rights through multiple legal frameworks. The Copyright Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. C-42) governs the ownership and use of original works, including video recordings and photographs. Under section 13 of the Copyright Act, the author of a work is generally the first owner of copyright, but when a work is created in the course of employment, the employer is the first owner unless otherwise agreed. A media release form clarifies the ownership and usage rights related to video content featuring the Releasor.

Privacy rights in Canada are protected at both the federal and provincial levels. The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) (S.C. 2000, c. 5) requires organizations to obtain meaningful consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information, which includes images and voice recordings. Provincial privacy legislation provides additional protections. British Columbia's Privacy Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 373) creates a statutory tort of invasion of privacy, while Quebec's Civil Code (articles 35 and 36 C.C.Q.) establishes the right to privacy and the right to one's image as fundamental civil rights.

In common law provinces, the tort of appropriation of personality, recognized by Ontario courts in cases such as Athans v. Canadian Adventure Camps Ltd. (1977) and Krouse v. Chrysler Canada Ltd. (1973), protects individuals against unauthorized commercial use of their image, likeness, or other personal attributes. A properly executed media release form provides documented consent that satisfies these legal requirements and protects both parties from potential claims.

A Canadian Media (Video) Release of Liability Form is needed whenever a person's image, likeness, or voice will be captured and used in any video production, film project, online content, advertising, or promotional material. This includes corporate videos, documentary films, social media content, television broadcasts, streaming platform content, educational videos, and any other media where identifiable individuals appear.

This form is essential for commercial productions where the video will be used for advertising, marketing, or revenue-generating purposes. Under PIPEDA and provincial privacy legislation, organizations must demonstrate that they obtained proper consent before using personal information for commercial purposes. A signed media release provides the documentary evidence needed to prove consent was obtained. Without it, the Releasee risks liability for invasion of privacy, appropriation of personality, or breach of privacy legislation.

The form is also necessary when the Releasor is receiving compensation for their participation. Under Canadian contract law, the release acts as a binding contract when supported by consideration. The consideration may be monetary payment, goods, services, or other benefits. If no consideration is provided, the release may still be enforceable as a deed or as consent under privacy legislation, but including consideration strengthens the enforceability of the waiver.

Video producers working in Quebec must pay particular attention to the province's unique legal framework. Under articles 35 and 36 of the Civil Code of Quebec, a person's image cannot be used without their consent, and consent can be withdrawn at any time with reasonable notice. This means that even with a signed release, a Quebec subject may have the right to withdraw consent, potentially requiring the producer to cease using the footage containing that person's likeness.

The form should be used before filming begins to ensure all participants have provided informed consent. Obtaining releases after filming creates legal risk because the Releasor may refuse to sign or demand higher compensation, and using the footage without a signed release exposes the producer to claims under privacy and personality rights legislation.

A legally effective Canadian Media (Video) Release of Liability Form must include the complete legal names and addresses of both the Releasor and the Releasee, including the province or territory of residence. These identifying details are essential for establishing the parties to the agreement and for determining which provincial laws apply to the release.

The scope of the grant of rights must be clearly defined. The form should specify whether the Releasor is granting permission for a specific video project or for any video content. If the release is limited to a specific project, the title and description of the video should be included. The form should state whether the usage rights extend to all media formats, including digital, broadcast, print, and online platforms, or are limited to specific distribution channels.

The duration of the release is a critical element. The form should specify whether the release is perpetual or limited to a specific time period. In Canadian law, perpetual licenses are generally enforceable in common law provinces, but Quebec courts may scrutinize perpetual terms more closely under the Civil Code's provisions regarding contracts of adhesion and abusive clauses.

The consideration clause should clearly state what the Releasor receives in exchange for granting the release, expressed in Canadian dollars (CAD) if monetary. Under Canadian contract law, consideration must be sufficient but need not be adequate. If the release is provided without compensation, this should be explicitly stated to avoid disputes about whether the agreement was supported by consideration.

The revocability clause should clearly state whether the Releasor retains the right to revoke the release. If the release is irrevocable, this should be prominently stated. The governing law clause should reference the province or territory whose laws govern the release, along with applicable federal legislation including the Copyright Act and PIPEDA. The form should include signature lines for both parties with dates, and should reference the place of signing to establish the territorial connection for governing law purposes.