What permission should be discussed before recording?
Separate permission to record a conversation from permission to publish or reuse it. Explain the proposed use, channels, identity details and contact for questions before recording. Permission for electronic marketing messages is another matter; none of these choices should be silently bundled together.
The Review & Testimonial Collection System supplies a two-page video script and adult recording/publication permission starting form. Have the wording and actual workflow reviewed for your jurisdiction, brokerage and intended use. It is not a legal opinion, electronic-signature service or automatically sufficient release.
Describe the actual use in plain language
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner’s meaningful-consent guidance emphasizes explaining what information is involved, the purpose, sharing and consequences. It also describes consent choices and withdrawal. Applicable privacy law can vary; have the local requirements checked.
For the working conversation, identify whether you want an internal recording, a website clip, an organic social post, paid advertising or several of these. Ask separately about showing a name, face, voice, location or property. Do not use a vague “marketing” label to hide a broader plan.
Record the agreed scope and an approved contact for later questions. Explain realistic limits on taking material back once it has been publicly shared, without treating those limits as a waiver of applicable rights. If the intended use changes, stop and review the permission.
Ask open questions rather than writing the testimonial
| Prompt | Purpose |
|---|---|
| What were you hoping to get help with? | Let the client set the context |
| Which part of the process stands out? | Invite a specific experience |
| What was useful about the communication? | Explore service without supplying praise |
| What would you tell someone preparing for a similar move? | Offer practical perspective |
| Is there anything else you would like to add? | Leave room for the client’s own conclusion |
These are suggested interview prompts, not promised outcomes or words the client must repeat. Allow them to skip a question or stop. Do not coach them to claim guaranteed prices, faster sales or an outcome they did not experience.
Check the scene before pressing record
Use a quiet space and frame only the consenting adult participants. Move paperwork, screens, photographs, keys with address labels and other identifying details out of view. The adult starting form is not a process for filming children or other people who happen to be nearby.
Confirm who is present, what will be recorded and what happens next. Keep the permission record with the approved file. A convenient video call or phone camera does not resolve storage, sharing or access questions; use tools your brokerage has approved.
After recording, keep the source material in the appropriate controlled location. Avoid scattering copies across personal accounts while preparing the edit.
Review the edit and publication plan together
Check that trimming has not changed the client’s meaning. Review captions, names, on-screen labels and any background detail. A shortened clip can create a different impression from the complete answer, so assess the final version rather than relying only on the recording conversation.
As a practical control, offer the final clip for approval and record the version, approved uses and date. This is our recommended workflow, not a statement that one approval step satisfies every applicable rule. Keep the proposed caption and advertising context with the approval when relevant.
If someone withdraws or limits permission, pause further use and follow the reviewed process. The kit does not publish videos, manage removals or decide which records must be retained.
Keep review requests and video permission distinct
A client can agree to leave a public review and decline a video. They can agree to recording and decline publication. Respect each answer without making normal service conditional on promotional participation.
The CRTC’s guidance applies to the actual electronic invitation where it is a commercial message. A signed video form does not create permission for every later email or text. Use the review-request workflow for the sending decision, and keep the publication record separate.
Start with a modest, clearly explained plan that you can actually maintain. A short honest account with a clear permission record is more useful than a large library of clips whose approved uses nobody can identify.
Official sources checked October 19, 2026: OPC meaningful consent; CRTC CASL FAQ. Recheck current guidance before using a template. General information, not legal advice.