I want to shoot a short on a military base. I can either get permission (anyone know how to go about that??) or pretend to just be shooting a couple of friends, oh by the way I'm military so I won't have any trouble getting on the base, but I'm not sure about filming properly on it.
Would my DVX100 look to obvious filming on a military base
- Thread starter shabit87
- Start date
dory_breaux
Todd Wannabe
I would go the safe route and get permission.
There must be some kind of liason officer for the press/public relations. If you call the published base phone number I would think they could put you in touch. I suppose if it's a small base (are there any of those left?) it would be the base commander's offce you would contact.
Tom Plapper
Active member
Once I produced a recruitment film for the Air Force. Even though I had permission to film on the base, four young Air Force guys ran up to me with M-16's drawn. Always get permission and better yet get an Air Force Public Affairs person to tag along.
dory_breaux
Todd Wannabe
Yeah make sure you've got a recognized official with you, or at least a public affairs officer.
If it portrays the millitary in a negative way I wouldn't even bother to try and shoot it on a base. They are not going to give you an open ended agreement to do whatever you want. If any of your actors are active duty they will need to be cleared by their CO to be in your film. There's probably even more rules. the guy who works video on an Air Force base is the guy to listen to.
Basically just trying to get some B roll, but someone did make a point. I may just look into another project. Thanks you guys for your help.
SentryDoodi
New member
I'm also in the military and am shooting a film which uses active duty extras; there is indeed a specific unit that clears these kinds of things; I don't have the link anymore, but the guy who handles it is a LTC James Sinor; I wish I could help more, but unless you are prepared for severe USMJ smackdown, I recommend finding the regulation; I remember it said something to the effect that it must BENEFIT the military, that's probably why there haven't been many films made by soldiers about soldiers. Good luck
venuestudios
Member
The first step is going to be getting a camera pass for the base. The pass and ID office should be able to help there. Expect that you will need to show whatever you shoot to an offical for release. Also expect that you may be restricted from filming in specific areas. I take photos on base and on board ships on occasion and this is the process that I go through. Do not assume because you are active military that the base will not take your equipment if you are not authorized in advance.
best of luck
best of luck
MikeGunter
Well-known member
Hi,
Ask your local PAO.
I was a PAO, and I suspect that it could go either way. It would depend on where you are and how you state your case and what script you have - you do have a script?
For example, does the script suggest that the military folks are innately stupid and cruel? No chance. Is the bad guy an lone individual overstepping his bounds caught by a hero using initiative he learned from his training might work.
You get the idea.
Ask your local PAO.
I was a PAO, and I suspect that it could go either way. It would depend on where you are and how you state your case and what script you have - you do have a script?
For example, does the script suggest that the military folks are innately stupid and cruel? No chance. Is the bad guy an lone individual overstepping his bounds caught by a hero using initiative he learned from his training might work.
You get the idea.
Thanks guys. I see that it could be a lengthy process, and MikeGunter, I don't have a script. Me and my buddies were just brainstorming and thought it'd be a cool idea. And of course the hero would be a concerned/do the right thing soldier, but I'm guessing I may be in over my head for this one. But thanks anyways everyone who answered!
MikeGunter
Well-known member
No worries.
For example, if it were a film project at a local school or college class, the PAO would be glad to help out - I taught part-time at such a college class.
A script would be necessary for approval. Without it, no one could see what you had in mind.
In broad strokes, bases generally want to cooperate in as much as they can. They want people who want to come on base to have their projects focused, organized, and not to waste time or resources.
The "spin" isn't as important as most people think. Naturally no one in authority wants people in uniform to screw goats, but where the line is drawn is really fuzzy.
What's important is that things aren't stupid.
Get with your buddies and write a good script. I bumped into a great little book last weekend, How to Write a Movie in 21 Days by Viki King. It's a good read and worth a look. Give it a try and then see your PAO.
No worries.
For example, if it were a film project at a local school or college class, the PAO would be glad to help out - I taught part-time at such a college class.
A script would be necessary for approval. Without it, no one could see what you had in mind.
In broad strokes, bases generally want to cooperate in as much as they can. They want people who want to come on base to have their projects focused, organized, and not to waste time or resources.
The "spin" isn't as important as most people think. Naturally no one in authority wants people in uniform to screw goats, but where the line is drawn is really fuzzy.
What's important is that things aren't stupid.
Get with your buddies and write a good script. I bumped into a great little book last weekend, How to Write a Movie in 21 Days by Viki King. It's a good read and worth a look. Give it a try and then see your PAO.
I have that book, it has some good stuff in it, and as for the dvx100 looking like a gun, hmm.... I never thought of it like that. Thanks for the image. LOL
ifownlee41nite@mac.com
Well-known member
I would think you could get in hot sh_t for shooting without permission. Is it worth the risk?
MikeGunter
Well-known member
Keep in mind, the largest corporate owners of of DVXs is the US Military, I suspect they know what they look like.
