Nyc Bans Independant Filmmaking!

I like this discussion.

You can't film in your house in LA. That is absurd.

See, I guess some people missed the small, but unfortunately large issue that these policy's in place that make us have to have a permit and insurance, are policy's.

THE REASON FOR CONCERN IS THAT THESE WILL NOW BE LAWS!

I feel as though Jack should move to LA and then tell me how he likes not being able to film in his home. SEE where this is going Jack?

I guess I am different. I guess I like the ability to film whenever, wherever, and with whomever I choose (without being stopped by police).

THE FACT that you would LIKE a police officer on your set, says everything: FASCIST.

BUT, great conversation.
 
Whoa there.
No need for the 'F' word.
Keep it civil.
If you want to attack Jack's (or anyone elses) points...then so be it, that's what debate is all about.

But don't start attacking people personally - nothing will get this thread closed down faster.
 
dissentfilms said:
THE FACT that you would LIKE a police officer on your set, says everything: FASCIST.
Click to expand...

I understand that you're all about 'dissent' etc, but that comment is borderline ignorant. I'm not trying to throw stones, but even the most anti-government, hardcore groups would want some sort of authority at their event, gathering, set, etc to maintain safety, etc. Bands like Rage Against the Machine and others do this; it's only when that authority crosses the line does it become an issue.

Sorry it that was off-topic, but being one who has grown up very left of center politically and very active in politics and change in general, it's annoying to here someone say something like that while masquerading as "dissentfilms". My apologies to any who are offended.
 
I've done a lot of production in LA, and yes, they've got it buttoned down. Saying you can't film in your own home is an exaggeration, and likely taken out of context.

You're welcome to film on private property there, provided you have the owner's permission. You must pull permits if your production arrives in a flurry of forty and fifty foot unmarked white trucks. Some neighborhoods are more savvy than others.

The notion that our perceived position as "artists" entitles us to work unchecked and unregulated in a public space is an elitist one. Laws are designed to keep things civil and safe. Naturally, if there are abuses, there are abuses and the population has a duty to challenge them.

From what you've read from other New Yorkers and those who have worked there, you might gather that there is little hostility toward their film office? Is everyone posting in this thread a fascist?

Name-calling has no place in this thread. Passion for your argument is fine, but the flaming is pushing it.

e
 
Having read the whole thread, dissent, I believe you have done more to harm your cause than help it. You've come in "sounding the alarm" only to have the voice of reason raise its head.
 
Hey there dissentfilms, it's me--THE MAN. Sorry I couldn't trample on your absolute rights to abuse other members earlier, but I was busy toppling democratically elected governments in far away lands. I'll be giving you a two week vacation so you can more effectively focus your efforts on civil disobediance.
 
I dont think anyone is saying that we should go unchecked. For me it is simply a matter of economics. I dont have 800 bucks for 10 shooting days worth of insurance......simple. Hell, I dont even have money to pay performers, crew, etc.....I do most of the crew stuff myself. And I am sure that Hollywood, the land of greed, smiles inwardly everytime indy filmakking takes a hit when it concerns them being able to film in a public place and give lots of production value to their movie and give their big budget sh$t some competition......along with smiling inwardly, they probably breathe a sigh of relief too.......

As far as your experience in Charleston, SC I presume, whoever walked into your dolly was probably a tourist. We have tons of dumb tourists and natives alike around here.

I feel for y'all in NY though. That's one of the reasons why I set my stories/movies in BFE (the country), where you dont need anything. I can shoot for hours and never get noticed.....and if they do hassle me, I'll just get a location release form signed and done. Private properties around here can be as big as 100 acres...Lot's of beautiful scenery....

Regulations suck as they most always hit the small guy the hardest.....life......I just find a way to work around it. Most of the time, that makes the project better anyway.
 
Silly thread title. And like Jack said, you shoot until a cop stops you, and then you have half an hour from that time.

Otherwise, pay for insurance, get your permit, and shoot unbothered. Permitting in the city is so painless and the Mayor's Office for film and television is very helpful in the process.
 
Well one of the things about this is that even if the laws have been there, they will be cracking down on them more. I think I have been stopped every time I have been on a shoot outside but having family and friends with juice in the city nothing has ever happened but a warning to be careful. Yeah it would be nice to be able to afford insurance for the year but us micro-indie peeps just can't afford that and have to take the chances. I find being from NYC and shooting in NYC the cops give more of a slide though. I have heard bad stories from people that didn't grow up here and how the cops were really demeaning to them and said things like you should go back to where you come from and shoot.
 
I should have looked into it before I said, "Terrible law, sorry NY people."

I think Jack's right. I still don't like the idea of having to get a permit, but I've never had to worry about that in Texas.
 
I wouldn't have a problem if it were like a fishing license i.e., $50 fee, good for 1 month, limited to normal shot. Stunts, gunplay, etc. set at different scales depending upon different factors. So, you could spend your $50, shoot somebody going into a diner, another shot maybe coming out. If that is a main story location, you could come back that night. Next week you shoot in the park.
 
Capt Quirk said:
I wouldn't have a problem if it were like a fishing license i.e., $50 fee, good for 1 month, limited to normal shot. Stunts, gunplay, etc. set at different scales depending upon different factors. So, you could spend your $50, shoot somebody going into a diner, another shot maybe coming out. If that is a main story location, you could come back that night. Next week you shoot in the park.
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They should have different costs of permits depending on what you are going to do with your film.

If it's going onto YouTube it should cost less than a feature film opening nation wide.

Actually, that could get pretty sketchy. I'm not sure the best way to solve the issue.:undecided
 
The issue isn't the cost of permits--in NYC and many cities--they're FREE. The issue is the high cost of production insurance. The city has nothing do with that cost and they require insurance to remove the liability from the city. Why is the insurance so expensive? Two factors--bonehead filmmakers that don't respect safety procedures (and get sued) and greedy insurance companies.
 
$800 is a S*T*E*A*L for $1MM in coverage.

If you think it's expensive, wait until you're on the hook for a couple hundred thousand in liability because some doofus knocks over a light and burns someone's skin off.
 
For five days of $1M liability I've been quoted anywhere from $900 to $1700 here in the L.A. area so I'd have to agree that that's not a bad price.
 
Wow, I can't believe so many of you are cool with this.

I think you should be able to shoot your film where ever you want. If NY was my home and I was told I couldn't play with my camera for more than 30 mins in one place I would be livid.

I think that is really, really too bad for some of you. Espesially those of you who really live close to and below the poverty line. Legislation like this doesn't seem great to me.

-rook
 
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