Permissions to shoot? Or Freedoom of Press?

yeah but that's the thing, security is always friends with the police and they won't hesitate to go call the cops on you if you decide to claim your rights.

and if you try to explain the law the cops, that's just asking to be arrested. and what happens to your equipment after that?

honestly if you've got additional crew, people who can back you up and give witness accounts (and hold on to your stuff!), then go for it. But if you're by yourself, it isn't worth the fight. I've had security come out and tell me I can't film their buildings, I politely informed them that it was public property, and next thing you know, here comethe cops. and they don't need a reason to mess with you, "causing a disturbance" or "resisting arrest" is all they need once they decide they don't like you.
 
oh yeah I definitely wouldnt try to argue with the cops or security or whoever. They have guns or are friends with people with guns and I dont argue with people with guns. My brother-in-law is a cop and always reminds me that if they/he want to arrest you they can always find a reason. Fortunately hes a pretty good cop and goes after actual lawbreakers and lets the piddly stuff slide. He's also handy to have during shoots as he could give a crap less if I have a permit, but as long as he is around no other cops bother us.
 
Though it may be legal to shoot in many public places, municipalities may require that you get a permit, and may require that you have an escort (often a police officer). This is common. Just like you have the right to demonstrate in public, but you better get all your permits and plans in order first.
Also, Buildings on public property may be private, and while you can shoot them, you cant use the image without written consent.
I personally have no problem with requiring permits, just state your case and explain your use. If you are doing it for good reason, then they will work with you. If you have "other" reasons then well... you probably shouldnt be shooting there
 
Since when is "explaining the law to the cops asking to be arrested?"

Never heard that.

The point being is be polite, and cooperative, and ask for a supervisor.
 
I was harrased by park security for pointing my DVX at the Brooklyn Bridge on the fourth of July. They surrounded me and gave me the third degree. The reason: I was using a professional camera.
Meanwhile HD cameras are getting smaller- not to mention cell phones.
If you go to a concert these days- half the audience is snapping and recording the performance with phones and I haven't seen anyone get thrown out.
 
I do see a difference between a cell phone and security issues following 9/11.

But I've never seen half the audience at any concert recording it to a cell phone. Not a lot of capability to record much of the concert, and of course no security issues.
 
Bokes said:
I was harrased by park security for pointing my DVX at the Brooklyn Bridge on the fourth of July. They surrounded me and gave me the third degree. The reason: I was using a professional camera.
Click to expand...
Hmmm - I'd have thought the average terrorist was far more likely to have an amateur camera anyway. The balance of probability would seem to suggest that a pro camera was more likely to indicate the user was NOT a terrorist!

But I'm sure "don't use a pro camera for your recce" is now in all terrorist training manuals............
 
It wasn't so much a security concern as much as it was- "are you making movie?" and "where's your permit?", etc.
And OK maybe not a full 50% of audience using cell phones- but I was at Radio City Music Hall a few weeks ago and I did see plenty of phones being held up snapping away.
And sure- Not much rec time and low quality- but give it a few years.
 
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