Legalisation in my enterprise (Generational Visuals)

 Intellectual property includes creative products such as music, literacy, artwork and designs. I would have to use my IP rights in my business by trademarking my logo and company name, ‘Generational Visuals’. This prevents any other organisations from using my logo/ name while it’s in use. I would also need to use copyright for my video productions to prevent other people from using it without permission.

Some video production would include performance music videos or people being included on film. This may require talent releases where the people on screen agree for their voices/ appearance to be used in the content. This would prevent me from getting sued for unauthorised use of people’s image.

If filming is taking place in a public space or space not owned by myself, legally, I would have to attain a location release which would provide permission to use the location for filming. This would also require thorough planning for the production, as location releases require information such as how long it will be used for, when, insurance agreement and an acknowledgement of liability.

Filming in public could present more legal issues. However, in the UK, people have the freedom to film in public without a permit (unless suspected to be a terrorist). Issues arise when filming in ‘public’ places that are under private control. For example, shopping centres, car parks and some parks. Contact with organisations or agencies are available to get permission to film. Permission to film in certain locations in London is accessible through a contact form on ‘Film London’ which lists various locations, phone numbers, emails and websites.

Laws on performing in public may need to be considered if filming a music video/ performance in public. Backing tracks may need to be played, and according to the GOV.UK website, this may require a license called ‘the Music License’.

Child Labour Laws. My production company would bring on young people (16-20). Their work with the company will better their life skills and will not compromise their health or education. Due to the company providing them with work experience, this would not be classed as child labour. Under 18s would also voluntarily work with the company and are able to do as little or much experience as they please. Employment opportunities are available for some students.

Public liability insurance may be a good idea for my business to prevent members of the public or clients suing in the case of injury or damage to property. This will allow me more freedom with where to film.

GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation is a privacy and security law from the European Union. In my business, I am required to understand what GDPR means and apply this to how I store client’s data and information with my organisation. The UK’s GDPR consists of 7 key principles which are lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity and confidentiality and accountability. If I did not comply with GDPR, I could receive ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) fines.

The Competition Act 1998 bans anti-competitive agreements between businesses. This means businesses cannot make agreements with competitors to fix prices etc. Competition is important in society due to it creating a wider choice for customers. Businesses competing for customers results in lowering prices and/ or improving the quality of products. I can avoid going against the Competition Act if my business does not make any anti-competition agreements. I would also work alone, avoiding merging with other businesses to significantly reduce competition, This would be relatively easy to comply to the laws due to there being a wide range of video production companies. This also covers the Enterprise Act 2002.