Paperwork sounds boring but it is one of the most important things you need to do. Having the correct paperwork will help you stay compliant and be able to sell your content.
Laws are different everywhere and different platforms require different kinds of paperwork. Make sure you look up what your specific needs are.
Paperwork Basics
If you are shooting or selling in the US, you need the correct paperwork. The paperwork usually includes a model release, 2257, and photos of IDs.
A model release is exactly what it sounds like, it’s a signed release from each model that appears in the video or pictures.
2257 refers to the federal law (18 U.S.C. 2257) that it is based on. It’s a document verifying that you have the appropriate ID for each model and that they are over 18 years old when the video was made.
Here are some examples of paperwork that you could use
Manyvids – This is only an artist agreement, it doesn’t include 2257
https://d3e1078hs60k37.cloudfront.net/site_files/docs/MV-Co-Model-Agreement_v1.2.pdf
APAG UNION – artist agreement
https://apagunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/model-release-forms-pdf.pdf
APAG UNION – 2257
https://apagunion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2257-forms-PDF.pdf
There are also apps like Quick2257 but remember that if you store everything on your phone, you could have security risks or be unable to access it at some point.
ID Photos
In addition to the signed documents you should take the following pictures:
- Government Issued Photo ID: front and back
- Model holding the Government Issued Photo ID next to their face
Something new that Onlyfans has started to require for models that can’t be tagged: models holding the signed paperwork and ID next to their face
Stay Organized
Make sure you keep your paperwork organized because you may have to upload it to different platforms when you go to sell your content.
If you are serious about content trade there are also lawyers that can help you customize exactly what you need for what you are filming.
