Do you need a permit to roam/shoot around LA?

Ramon Boutviseth

Ramon Boutviseth

Well-known member
I read somewhere LA county will take your equipment if you get caught without a permit. I have a small project I want to do and shoot in the streets but I'm almost afraid to do so. What's everyone's thought/experience on this?
 
Keep a low profile and the cops usually just ask you to move along. Put a bunch of equipment on property you don't control is asking for trouble. If you can go hand held, that is good. It's the placing of stands and tripods that get their attention. Yes, they have confiscated equipment - but usually not from the little guys. (from a filmmaker born and raised in L.A.)
 
I shot tons of guerilla in los angeles for Heart of Now -- on city buses, on the metrorail, near freeways... keep it small and the worst that will happen is you're asked to stop.
 
I believe there is a student agreement you can get with the city of LA to shoot on the streets of LA as long as there's no lights getting planted & maximum people of shoot on location is no more than 10.
 
Hi Hiro,

First off, I'm fairly certain LA County Sherriffs have better things to do so it's not a County jurisdiction issue. Anyway, if you're in a conservative, upscale city among the beautiful people - time to disperse when the men in blue head your way. For instance, Pasadena officers love to write tickets for jaywalkers.

Your mileage may vary, Michael
 
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I've heard of people getting in trouble for shooting in LA. Keep it small and you should be fine, but if you bust out a tripod, you better put on crocs with socks and a flowery tourist shirt and say you're from Nebraska and a tourist! :) And they'll proably leave you alone.
 
Yu can shoot in public places all ya like... including public faces, if you wish. A cop cannot steal your gear for this. If a cop telsl you to put it down, do it. A cop can and will confiscate items from suspects posing safty threats or whatever they may see ay doin'.
Shooting requires people skills, not just in public places. You will always have to know how to bounce off the person you have yet to swap words with. If you havn't this instict, a human resources gig is in your future.
 
hiro said:
I read somewhere LA county will take your equipment if you get caught without a permit. I have a small project I want to do and shoot in the streets but I'm almost afraid to do so. What's everyone's thought/experience on this?
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Just do the right thing and get a permit if it is required for your shoot and the locations you need. You'll get better shots by not having to rush through or sneak and you'll be less likely to leave a legacy of ill-will behind for the rest of us. Are you not a legitimate filmmaker? Most municipalities are film-friendly, they just have a few rules and some paperwork regarding how your project may or may not impact their residents, public areas and businesses. Go 100% legit and you'll benefit from their cooperation.

Few things are more embarrassing or frustrating than being shut-down and ran off from a location when you're caught without a permit. Plus, it's great when a grumpy cop walks up to bust you on a permit and you simply hand them yours and send them on their way.

I've found LA residents, businesses and police to be VERY aware that permits are required because so many people before us have been less than professional by trespassing and / or not getting their permits.

The central coordinator for permitting in LA is Film L.A., Inc. Here is the link: http://www.eidc.com/

If you aspire to be a professional filmmaker or even an amateur, step up to the plate and treat it that way; there is everything to gain and very little if anything to lose.

Robert Starling, SOC
Steadicam Owner Operator
 
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That's the key. If a cop asks you to stop, it's usually NOT the time to talk about your constitutional rights... Yeah, after thousands of dollars and hours in court you might just win, the EASY thing is to say, "Yes sir, sorry!" pack up and come back another day.
 
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