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If they are deceased, I’d recommend the production to reach out to the estate of the deceased because their estate would have obtained the rights of publicity from the deceased on the date of passing.</p>\n<p>So, if they want to reference and exploit an individual’s likeness, personality, image (even though they have passed), they would need to obtain those rights from the estate directly.</p>\n<p>There is the component of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>public domain</strong></a>, which is a term that is not often understood and it varies by country. In Canada now, <a href=\"/articles/how-do-fair-dealing-and-public-domain-apply-to-music\" rel=\"noopener\">public domain</a> is any individual, company or event would be free to basically use/reference/exploit as needed, provided the owner of that work has passed <em>plus 75 years after the date of passing has also elapsed</em>.</p>\n<p>So, after that period of time, something is public domain: if someone were to reference (positively or negatively) an historical character, you would be able to do that because it’s safely in the public domain. Someone who has recently passed however, you would need to obtain the necessary rights from their estate.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong><em>Dave Stern</em></strong><em> is an entertainment lawyer and partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</span></em> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/blurring-the-lines-of-music-infringement-law-three-perspectives-in-one\" rel=\"noopener\">Marvin Gaye vs. Robin Thicke and Pharrel Williams (Blurred Lines)</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\"noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance for Film and TV: The Value of a Clearance Lawyer</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">Clearance procedures – E&amp;O</a></li>\n<li>YouTube: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbih45AJnVlE-_S7oNUpo0qzl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) – Dave Stern</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Based in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, Blaney McMurtry LLP is one of Canada's premier law firms. </span><a href=\"https://www.blaney.com/\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">https://www.blaney.com/</a></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</span></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Disclaimer</span>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</span></p></span>\n","rss_summary":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a \"right of publicity\": a lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qFlJKLBU9A?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n","rss_body":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a \"right of publicity\": a lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qFlJKLBU9A?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><strong><br>Dave Stern</strong>: Whether someone is alive or deceased, they do have a <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">right of publicity</span>, which means that they are (or should be) in control of the way their personality, their image, their likeness is displayed and exploited.</p>\n<p>So, if a production (a third party) wishes to obtain these rights, the same would apply for if the person is alive or deceased. If they are deceased, I’d recommend the production to reach out to the estate of the deceased because their estate would have obtained the rights of publicity from the deceased on the date of passing.</p>\n<p>So, if they want to reference and exploit an individual’s likeness, personality, image (even though they have passed), they would need to obtain those rights from the estate directly.</p>\n<p>There is the component of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>public domain</strong></a>, which is a term that is not often understood and it varies by country. In Canada now, <a href=\"/articles/how-do-fair-dealing-and-public-domain-apply-to-music\" rel=\"noopener\">public domain</a> is any individual, company or event would be free to basically use/reference/exploit as needed, provided the owner of that work has passed <em>plus 75 years after the date of passing has also elapsed</em>.</p>\n<p>So, after that period of time, something is public domain: if someone were to reference (positively or negatively) an historical character, you would be able to do that because it’s safely in the public domain. Someone who has recently passed however, you would need to obtain the necessary rights from their estate.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong><em>Dave Stern</em></strong><em> is an entertainment lawyer and partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</span></em> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/blurring-the-lines-of-music-infringement-law-three-perspectives-in-one\" rel=\"noopener\">Marvin Gaye vs. Robin Thicke and Pharrel Williams (Blurred Lines)</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\"noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance for Film and TV: The Value of a Clearance Lawyer</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">Clearance procedures – E&amp;O</a></li>\n<li>YouTube: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbih45AJnVlE-_S7oNUpo0qzl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) – Dave Stern</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Based in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, Blaney McMurtry LLP is one of Canada's premier law firms. </span><a href=\"https://www.blaney.com/\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">https://www.blaney.com/</a></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</span></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Disclaimer</span>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</span></p>","tag_ids":[949708924,949708959,3018617752,6386637934],"topic_ids":[949708924,949708959,3018617752,6386637934],"enable_google_amp_output_override":false,"generate_json_ld_enabled":true,"blog_post_schedule_task_uid":null,"blog_publish_to_social_media_task":"DONE","blog_publish_instant_email_task_uid":"DONE","blog_publish_instant_email_campaign_id":null,"blog_publish_instant_email_retry_count":null,"keywords":[],"public_access_rules_enabled":false,"public_access_rules":[],"html_title":"Dead persons in a film production have a 'right of publicity'","composition_id":0,"is_crawlable_by_bots":false,"published_at":1698850501633,"state_when_deleted":null,"head_html":"<!-- START - Generated by ClassySchema.org on Thu, 13 Apr 2023 17:53:57 GMT -->\n<script 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</script>\n <!-- End Schema --> \n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n window._mNHandle = window._mNHandle || {};\n window._mNHandle.queue = window._mNHandle.queue || [];\n medianet_versionId = \"3121199\";\n</script>\n<script src=\"https://contextual.media.net/dmedianet.js?cid=8CU76IWTZ\" async=\"async\"></script>","postsPerListingPage":10,"postsPerRssFeed":10,"publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"publicTitle":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","publishDateFormat":"medium","resolvedDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","rootUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","rssCustomFeed":"","rssDescription":"RSS feeds for ","rssItemFooter":"<IMG style=\"WIDTH: 144px; HEIGHT: 78px\" title=\"\" border=0 alt=\"\" align=center src=\"http://focusinsurance.web6.hubspot.com/Portals/61352/images//logo_final.jpg\" width=138 height=78 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Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"slug":"fr/blogue"}},"updated":1693318083280,"updatedDateTime":1693318083280,"urlBase":"www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","urlSegments":{},"useFeaturedImageInSummary":true,"usesDefaultTemplate":false,"weeklyNotificationEmailId":"952268106"},"password":null,"pastMabExperimentIds":[],"performableGuid":null,"performableVariationLetter":null,"personas":[],"placementGuids":[],"portableKey":null,"portalId":61352,"position":null,"postBody":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a \"right of publicity\": a lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qFlJKLBU9A?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><strong><br>Dave Stern</strong>: Whether someone is alive or deceased, they do have a <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">right of publicity</span>, which means that they are (or should be) in control of the way their personality, their image, their likeness is displayed and exploited.</p>\n<p>So, if a production (a third party) wishes to obtain these rights, the same would apply for if the person is alive or deceased. If they are deceased, I’d recommend the production to reach out to the estate of the deceased because their estate would have obtained the rights of publicity from the deceased on the date of passing.</p>\n<p>So, if they want to reference and exploit an individual’s likeness, personality, image (even though they have passed), they would need to obtain those rights from the estate directly.</p>\n<p>There is the component of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>public domain</strong></a>, which is a term that is not often understood and it varies by country. In Canada now, <a href=\"/articles/how-do-fair-dealing-and-public-domain-apply-to-music\" rel=\"noopener\">public domain</a> is any individual, company or event would be free to basically use/reference/exploit as needed, provided the owner of that work has passed <em>plus 75 years after the date of passing has also elapsed</em>.</p>\n<p>So, after that period of time, something is public domain: if someone were to reference (positively or negatively) an historical character, you would be able to do that because it’s safely in the public domain. Someone who has recently passed however, you would need to obtain the necessary rights from their estate.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong><em>Dave Stern</em></strong><em> is an entertainment lawyer and partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</span></em> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/blurring-the-lines-of-music-infringement-law-three-perspectives-in-one\" rel=\"noopener\">Marvin Gaye vs. Robin Thicke and Pharrel Williams (Blurred Lines)</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\"noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance for Film and TV: The Value of a Clearance Lawyer</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">Clearance procedures – E&amp;O</a></li>\n<li>YouTube: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbih45AJnVlE-_S7oNUpo0qzl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) – Dave Stern</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Based in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, Blaney McMurtry LLP is one of Canada's premier law firms. </span><a href=\"https://www.blaney.com/\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">https://www.blaney.com/</a></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</span></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Disclaimer</span>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</span></p></span>\n","postBodyRss":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a \"right of publicity\": a lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qFlJKLBU9A?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><strong><br>Dave Stern</strong>: Whether someone is alive or deceased, they do have a <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">right of publicity</span>, which means that they are (or should be) in control of the way their personality, their image, their likeness is displayed and exploited.</p>\n<p>So, if a production (a third party) wishes to obtain these rights, the same would apply for if the person is alive or deceased. If they are deceased, I’d recommend the production to reach out to the estate of the deceased because their estate would have obtained the rights of publicity from the deceased on the date of passing.</p>\n<p>So, if they want to reference and exploit an individual’s likeness, personality, image (even though they have passed), they would need to obtain those rights from the estate directly.</p>\n<p>There is the component of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>public domain</strong></a>, which is a term that is not often understood and it varies by country. In Canada now, <a href=\"/articles/how-do-fair-dealing-and-public-domain-apply-to-music\" rel=\"noopener\">public domain</a> is any individual, company or event would be free to basically use/reference/exploit as needed, provided the owner of that work has passed <em>plus 75 years after the date of passing has also elapsed</em>.</p>\n<p>So, after that period of time, something is public domain: if someone were to reference (positively or negatively) an historical character, you would be able to do that because it’s safely in the public domain. Someone who has recently passed however, you would need to obtain the necessary rights from their estate.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong><em>Dave Stern</em></strong><em> is an entertainment lawyer and partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</span></em> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/blurring-the-lines-of-music-infringement-law-three-perspectives-in-one\" rel=\"noopener\">Marvin Gaye vs. Robin Thicke and Pharrel Williams (Blurred Lines)</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\"noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance for Film and TV: The Value of a Clearance Lawyer</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">Clearance procedures – E&amp;O</a></li>\n<li>YouTube: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbih45AJnVlE-_S7oNUpo0qzl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) – Dave Stern</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Based in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, Blaney McMurtry LLP is one of Canada's premier law firms. </span><a href=\"https://www.blaney.com/\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">https://www.blaney.com/</a></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</span></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Disclaimer</span>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</span></p>","postEmailContent":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a \"right of publicity\": a lawyer explains.</h2> \n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\"> \n <div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\">\n <iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qFlJKLBU9A?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe>\n </div> \n</div>","postFeaturedImageIfEnabled":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Dave%20Stern/dead-shutterstock_1171344694-forweb600.jpg","postListContent":"\n\n\n\n <span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a \"right of publicity\": a lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qFlJKLBU9A?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><strong><br>Dave Stern</strong>: Whether someone is alive or deceased, they do have a <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">right of publicity</span>, which means that they are (or should be) in control of the way their personality, their image, their likeness is displayed and exploited.</p>\n<p>So, if a production (a third party) wishes to obtain these rights, the same would apply for if the person is alive or deceased. If they are deceased, I’d recommend the production to reach out to the estate of the deceased because their estate would have obtained the rights of publicity from the deceased on the date of passing.</p>\n<p>So, if they want to reference and exploit an individual’s likeness, personality, image (even though they have passed), they would need to obtain those rights from the estate directly.</p>\n<p>There is the component of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>public domain</strong></a>, which is a term that is not often understood and it varies by country. In Canada now, <a href=\"/articles/how-do-fair-dealing-and-public-domain-apply-to-music\" rel=\"noopener\">public domain</a> is any individual, company or event would be free to basically use/reference/exploit as needed, provided the owner of that work has passed <em>plus 75 years after the date of passing has also elapsed</em>.</p>\n<p>So, after that period of time, something is public domain: if someone were to reference (positively or negatively) an historical character, you would be able to do that because it’s safely in the public domain. Someone who has recently passed however, you would need to obtain the necessary rights from their estate.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong><em>Dave Stern</em></strong><em> is an entertainment lawyer and partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</span></em> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/blurring-the-lines-of-music-infringement-law-three-perspectives-in-one\" rel=\"noopener\">Marvin Gaye vs. Robin Thicke and Pharrel Williams (Blurred Lines)</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\"noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance for Film and TV: The Value of a Clearance Lawyer</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">Clearance procedures – E&amp;O</a></li>\n<li>YouTube: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbih45AJnVlE-_S7oNUpo0qzl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) – Dave Stern</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Based in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, Blaney McMurtry LLP is one of Canada's premier law firms. </span><a href=\"https://www.blaney.com/\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">https://www.blaney.com/</a></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</span></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Disclaimer</span>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</span></p></span>\n","postListSummaryFeaturedImage":"","postRssContent":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a \"right of publicity\": a lawyer explains.</h2> \n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\"> \n <div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\">\n <iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; 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top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qFlJKLBU9A?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n","postSummaryRss":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a \"right of publicity\": a lawyer explains.</h2> \n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\"> \n <div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\">\n <iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qFlJKLBU9A?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe>\n </div> \n</div>","postTemplate":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-post.html","previewImageSrc":null,"previewKey":"oNvlqzpm","previousPostFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/film-set-brands-people-br2HgQuvq6I-unsplash600.jpg","previousPostFeaturedImageAltText":"Film set: releases for photos from the web","previousPostName":"Does a film producer need to obtain releases for photos from the web?","previousPostSlug":"articles/does-a-film-producer-need-to-obtain-releases-for-photos-from-the-web","processingStatus":"PUBLISHED","propertyForDynamicPageCanonicalUrl":null,"propertyForDynamicPageFeaturedImage":null,"propertyForDynamicPageMetaDescription":null,"propertyForDynamicPageSlug":null,"propertyForDynamicPageTitle":null,"publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"publishDate":1685626407000,"publishDateLocalTime":1685626407000,"publishDateLocalized":{"date":1685626407000,"format":"medium","language":"en_US"},"publishImmediately":true,"publishTimezoneOffset":null,"publishedAt":1698850501633,"publishedByEmail":null,"publishedById":7915797,"publishedByName":null,"publishedUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/film-production-right-of-publicity","resolvedDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","resolvedLanguage":null,"rssBody":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a \"right of publicity\": a lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qFlJKLBU9A?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p><strong><br>Dave Stern</strong>: Whether someone is alive or deceased, they do have a <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">right of publicity</span>, which means that they are (or should be) in control of the way their personality, their image, their likeness is displayed and exploited.</p>\n<p>So, if a production (a third party) wishes to obtain these rights, the same would apply for if the person is alive or deceased. If they are deceased, I’d recommend the production to reach out to the estate of the deceased because their estate would have obtained the rights of publicity from the deceased on the date of passing.</p>\n<p>So, if they want to reference and exploit an individual’s likeness, personality, image (even though they have passed), they would need to obtain those rights from the estate directly.</p>\n<p>There is the component of <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><strong>public domain</strong></a>, which is a term that is not often understood and it varies by country. In Canada now, <a href=\"/articles/how-do-fair-dealing-and-public-domain-apply-to-music\" rel=\"noopener\">public domain</a> is any individual, company or event would be free to basically use/reference/exploit as needed, provided the owner of that work has passed <em>plus 75 years after the date of passing has also elapsed</em>.</p>\n<p>So, after that period of time, something is public domain: if someone were to reference (positively or negatively) an historical character, you would be able to do that because it’s safely in the public domain. Someone who has recently passed however, you would need to obtain the necessary rights from their estate.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><strong><em>Dave Stern</em></strong><em> is an entertainment lawyer and partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Are you a producer in Canada or the US?</span></em> Get a quote for <a href=\"/en/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">producer’s E&amp;O insurance here</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related:</h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/blurring-the-lines-of-music-infringement-law-three-perspectives-in-one\" rel=\"noopener\">Marvin Gaye vs. Robin Thicke and Pharrel Williams (Blurred Lines)</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\"noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance for Film and TV: The Value of a Clearance Lawyer</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">Clearance procedures – E&amp;O</a></li>\n<li>YouTube: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtqQkUwXbih45AJnVlE-_S7oNUpo0qzl\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Errors and omissions insurance (E&amp;O) – Dave Stern</a></li>\n</ul>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Based in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, Blaney McMurtry LLP is one of Canada's premier law firms. </span><a href=\"https://www.blaney.com/\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">https://www.blaney.com/</a></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">About</span>: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.</span></p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Disclaimer</span>: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.</span></p>","rssSummary":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a \"right of publicity\": a lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; 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Dead persons in a film production have a 'right of publicity'

Grave: film production and right of publicity

Dead persons in a film production (through their representatives/heirs) have a "right of publicity": a lawyer explains.


Dave Stern
: Whether someone is alive or deceased, they do have a right of publicity, which means that they are (or should be) in control of the way their personality, their image, their likeness is displayed and exploited.

So, if a production (a third party) wishes to obtain these rights, the same would apply for if the person is alive or deceased. If they are deceased, I’d recommend the production to reach out to the estate of the deceased because their estate would have obtained the rights of publicity from the deceased on the date of passing.

So, if they want to reference and exploit an individual’s likeness, personality, image (even though they have passed), they would need to obtain those rights from the estate directly.

There is the component of public domain, which is a term that is not often understood and it varies by country. In Canada now, public domain is any individual, company or event would be free to basically use/reference/exploit as needed, provided the owner of that work has passed plus 75 years after the date of passing has also elapsed.

So, after that period of time, something is public domain: if someone were to reference (positively or negatively) an historical character, you would be able to do that because it’s safely in the public domain. Someone who has recently passed however, you would need to obtain the necessary rights from their estate.

Dave Stern is an entertainment lawyer and partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP

 

Are you a producer in Canada or the US? Get a quote for producer’s E&O insurance here.

 

Related:

About: Based in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, Blaney McMurtry LLP is one of Canada's premier law firms. https://www.blaney.com/

About: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that specializes in the entertainment industry – specifically, the film industry. Front Row works hard to provide insurance protection for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment.

Disclaimer: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.

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