I did about 30 commercials for an agency, and they are on my reel. I didn't sign a non-disclosure or anything. Can they make me take down the spots I worked on? I mean they already aired nationally on TV! Let me know if this is something you have run into.
Anything Goes : Can client make you pull down video off demo reel? by David Carrera
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They own the content, not you, so, yes, if you didn't get some sort of promotional release in your original contract.
I put in my contracts that I have the right to use the piece as marketing for my company once the piece has aired.
well technically no contract was signed even though they may own content you did work on it. And if they aired nationally I don't understand why they would make a fuss about it. Though consider this.. will you work further with them cause this can stir troubles if that is case. But I like Kim's suggestion to put in contracts that bit about the right to use. I was lucky I managed to get a still shot of a commercial I filmed but it never aired nor got to see what the finished product looks like.
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Technically and legally they own the content and can make you take it down if you do not have written permission to use the spot for marketing purposes. You can stick to fair-use but that means just a few seconds of the spots. Ask the companies that own the spots, not the agency you did the work for. It's in the agencies best interest to say no but in the company's best interest to say yes.
Thanks to all of you for your insight.
bottom line. yes, they can, unless you have a clause in your contract that allows you to use their material for demonstration purposes... even then. you may be required to only show the work in a non public way. For instance a Vimeo account with each clip password protected so you can make the clip available to a future client but not public.
sounds like you are in a "ask for permission or forgiveness situation". If you aren't on good terms perhaps they are just trying to make your life difficult?