general public filming regulations

joe · Post by **joe** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 7:29 am

Hey all.

I was just reading another thread about permission to film, and it got me thinking.

I usually shoot whatever I can somewhat guerilla style, get in and out as fast as possible, if possible, and still retain quality shots.

But, in a week or so, I am shooting with more complicated setups with a track dolly, etc. The location is in the middle of a very small town or about 1000 ppl.

In general public areas, what are usually the guidelines for filming? I assume it is to be shot without specific store names, people's faces, etc. being focused on, but I'm not sure. Any enlightenment would help.

Also, does anyone know about cemeteries?

Thanks.

Joe

Passit · Post by **Passit** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 10:38 am

i find its just about being confident so that you can talk your way out of a situation. i.e. 'we are making this for my school/uni project' or 'wow you smell nice!'

cemeteries are private land i think so they could potentially beat you out with a stick!

Ornsack · Post by **Ornsack** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 3:29 pm

We're making this for school/college/uni works wonders. So long as they don't call up to check! But it's gotten me out of a couple of situations

When my dad was younger and making some horror film, they got arrested for filming on the train tracks... they got out of it by saying it was for a school project. The police rang their teacher, but luckily the teacher knew what my dad was like, and he just lied and said "Yes they are filming a school project, yes..."

Aaaanywayy...

chchaisson1 · Post by **chchaisson1** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 4:22 pm

A guy who was making a film called "Dirt Boy" in Cape Cod just went there in the middle of the winter when nobody was there and filmed without showing store names. (the movies on DVD now)

ipon70 · Post by **ipon70** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 5:37 pm

I just got done filming a part of our movie that involved a street scene and a business. I contact City Hall and ask if it was ok, they ask a few questions but said that is fine and thanked me for asking. And the business obviously had a release form to sign as they were the main focus and we filmed inside of their building. My advice is always ask and get permission, and then as a last resort shoot it anyway and deal with the issues if they come up.

Raptor · Post by **Raptor** » Mon Mar 07, 2005 9:05 pm

In the US, if anyone is identifiable they must be released.

ipon70 · Post by **ipon70** » Tue Mar 08, 2005 12:16 am

Unless it is in a public location, such as a park. Privacy is not assumed under these circumstances. The courts have upheld that time and time again.

Raptor · Post by **Raptor** » Tue Mar 08, 2005 6:22 am

ipon70 wrote:Unless it is in a public location, such as a park. Privacy is not assumed under these circumstances. The courts have upheld that time and time again.

Wrong, that only applies to news gathering, the right to privacy is not assumed, and that is applied to news, however for docs, films etc, even tho the right o privacy is not assumed, the right to publicity is, and that will be applied. Unless you are shooting a true news story, then you must release anyone in any scenes who is recognizable. The difference being that news is considered in the public interest, any other application is not. This includes stock footage, commercials, films, television etc. Trust me , we spent enough on the lawyers when putting the television show together LOL...