Consent To Being Interviewed

I was referred by a friend to an international cosmetics company for an interview. The Company wanted to interview some breast cancer survivors from Malaysia as they intend to produce a documentary to promote breast cancer month worldwide.

First, when I heard about this, I was really excited because now I will have a chance to appear around the globe! But the representative from the Company told me that I had to sign a Testimonial Consent and Release Letter. I was surprised at this request but nevertheless asked the representative to fax me the letter.

I read the letter and found that I would have to consent to the following clauses:

• ... to use my personal statement/comment without compensation and my photograph, can be used in brochures, flyers, print advertisement, electronic media and any form of digital means
• This consent is granted for an undefined period
• ... Company has the right to amend, change, revise or re-arrange the whole or part of my testimony.
  

Being a lawyer myself, I found the above clauses to be unfair and unreasonable. I was not happy with the clauses especially clauses 2 & 3. After consulting some friends, I was told that some of these clauses were standard clauses in Consent Letters but they also told me not to give the interview if i was uncomfortable with the clauses.

After giving some thought (I was only given 4 hours to decide), I decline the offer. Yep, it would be really great to appear on the international level but not with the above constraints, one must be happy of being interviewed!