Creator X
YTtalk Mad
I would say the answer is going to vary widely as far as big YouTubers. Many of the top channels will have established legal business entities because it makes sense business wise.
As far as your situation... I definitely would form some kind of legal business entity. (LLC, etc) It won't necessarily protect you from liability for prank videos if something did go wrong, but it certainly can't hurt. Also, from a business perspective being a multiple party business... it makes a whole lot of sense. It's a business regardless of if you form a legal entity (tax liabilities, expenses, etc), so you might as well get it formalized and in the best form for your situation now.
As for consent... something in writing certainly would be better. Are you getting the consent on video? (just curious)
Obviously, consult a lawyer (or other professionals) for the best advice for your situation. There are way too many factors for anyone to assess over the Internet.
Hope that helps and good luck!
As far as your situation... I definitely would form some kind of legal business entity. (LLC, etc) It won't necessarily protect you from liability for prank videos if something did go wrong, but it certainly can't hurt. Also, from a business perspective being a multiple party business... it makes a whole lot of sense. It's a business regardless of if you form a legal entity (tax liabilities, expenses, etc), so you might as well get it formalized and in the best form for your situation now.
As for consent... something in writing certainly would be better. Are you getting the consent on video? (just curious)
Obviously, consult a lawyer (or other professionals) for the best advice for your situation. There are way too many factors for anyone to assess over the Internet.
Hope that helps and good luck!