another film permit q

[dstevens]

Far as I've seen, the worst thing that happens if you are filming on public areas without a film permit from the local government is you're told to move your stuff.

If you manage to shoot your stuff and slink away, are your worries over?
Do distributors/exhibitors ever refuse to deal with you because you didn't have permits when you shot your film?

Anyone ever get sued/harassed by people in the background, local governments because someone figures out you shot there without a permit?

 

[Barry_S]

Clearance, release, and copyright issues are completely separate from the permitting process. A distributor could care less if you shot with permits as long as you've got any necessary clearances and releases.

 

[Moonwind]

In some areas, especially in L.A., you can have all of your equipment confiscated, which is a heck of a lot worse than just being "told to move your stuff". You have to be careful when Guerilla Filmmaking as there can be a lot at stake. I would suggest you check what the penalties are whereever you plan to film before going without a permit, especially if you are using someone else's equipment. (Not saying to NOT take the chance, I've been involved in several non-permit shoots, including the Los Angeles area, just suggesting you check well and do your homework first.)

 

[khmuse]

I was on a shoot last summer that was permitted, but we moved outside of the defined area. Anyway we got shut down within a matter of minutes and threatened with having the equipment confiscated. This was in California at a state park just north of Malibu. Given that it was a Arri 435 and a large box of primes, all rented, it could have gotten very ugly. As Moonwind stated, be aware of the potential problems that guerrilla shooting can have!