judge, courtroom for short film? (how?)

Randall_Oelerich

Randall_Oelerich

Veteran
I am working on a short script. It would be nice, not mandatory, but nice, if I could have a scene with a judge ruling in favor of a couple adopting a child. Not sure how on earth I would ever get permission to film in a courtroom though. Or could I just use a person wearing a rented judge's black gown (maybe use a professor's gown as used in college graduation ceremonies?) sitting behind a big wooden desk in a room (the 'judge's chambers'?), with the couple and the child there as the judge makes his rule for their adopting the child? Open to ideas. Courtroom would be great, but seems impossible to get permission to use for filming, or would a courthouse allow this? If so, would they likely stick with filming permit costs making it prohibitive for a ten minute short film budget?
 
Have you asked?

Many courtrooms (and judges) are very open to the idea. Especially, if it shows the justice system in a positive light. I spend a lot of time around judges, and have done a LOT of filming in courtrooms. It's really not as bad as you might think.

Your state film office might also be able to assist you. I am unaware of the court system in Minnesota, or I'd try to help with more specific advice.
 
Thanks. I guess I need to ask, maybe they will say yes! The short has a good theme, and a happy ending (the court scene, adoption of two mentally challenged kids by a couple), would show the court system in a good light. Maybe the courts would let me use an empty court room for a couple of hours when it is empty, unused.
 
Have you seen what modern courtrooms can look like these days? You'd be surprised how much they can vary from the traditional set we seem to see in each and every film. I'm willing to be you can find something to use that would wind up being unique for the viewer to see.

Regarding the judge's robe, I've actually used a graduation gown when conducting mock trials with my student. To me, it looked pretty similar. Very cheap/easy to get ahold of one of those.
 
Yeah that sort of bites, I would prefer on a no-budget short to not to have to pay those fees; if the scene is needed I will have to bite the bullet and do it, otherwise reconsider the necessity of the scene.

Ryan Paige said:
...but I had to provide insurance (not surprising) and hire an off-duty sheriff's deputy from the county to watch over the courtroom while we were there (I think it ran $250 for the time we needed).
Click to expand...
 
If you're anywhere near a big TV production facility, there must be a zillion permanent fake courtroom sets around. (Cost of hiring them is another matter though.)

Or if you're in a 'historical' area, look at old council/board offices - our local harbour board has preserved its century-old offices and their formal board room looks a lot like a courtroom. Could well be worth talking to your local historic places trust or equivalent. But beware of hidden charges - we had a similar experience to Ryan above, they insisted on us paying for their security guard at all times.

The zero budget approach is to fake a modern courtroom, which pretty much looks like any boring corporate space, especially if you keep your shots in tight. Suggest the rest of the surroundings with appropriate costumes and sound/dialog - should be easy to make your audience think 'courtroom' within 3 seconds.
 
You might look at various university classrooms, Masonic temples, libraries, funeral homes in your area. Could a judges chambers be substituted for a courtroom in your story? Some family court matters may at times be resolved in chambers instead of open court.
Also back rooms of bars and coffee shops in older buildings might be worth a look.
 
I know of some people that have gotten access to courtrooms for short films, so it's definitely possible.

My only question is how realistic is it? I always thought custody/adoption stuff goes on mostly with paperwork and in more private settings. Not in a courtroom.

I don't know, I'm just wondering.
 
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GoodLuck said:
My only question is how realistic is it? I always thought custody/adoption stuff goes on mostly with paperwork and in more private settings. Not in a courtroom.

I don't know, I'm just wondering.
Click to expand...

It really depends. There is a great effort to keep in OUT of courtrooms with arbitration and the like. In fact, a judge can order a custody hearing to arbitration. But in some very tough cases, it can end up in court, and in appeals court.

For an example of a VERY high profile case, think back to the death of Anna Nicole Smith. A huge custody battle ensued in Florida, and the case was finally settled in the appeals court in Palm Beach County (4th District Court of Appeals). The case was a just a breath away from reaching the Florida Supreme Court.

So yes, these cases can and do play out in courtrooms from time to time.
 
while I've never had to approach a courtroom for the purpose of narrative stuff, doing documentary and news shooting has always been a breeze for the most part (obviously as long as there isn't an actual case going on, and, like it was mentioned earlier, the justice system is being shown in a positive light). another thing I've noticed is how many rooms there are in public places that closely resemble, or in some cases actually used to be, courtrooms, and I'm sure with some research and a great attitude you could gain access to darn near anything - I'm not the most charming guy ever but I've been able to talk my way into quite a few places. The Landmark Center in St Paul (http://www.landmarkcenter.org/ - not sure how close you are) has several amazing old courtrooms inside that could easily pass for modern ones if shot properly and I'm sure it would be easy to get access to. Just a thought. Hope things work out!!
Best,
Adam

**be careful outside the Landmark Center around dusk, I was attacked by a violent homeless man last time I was there shooting stuff and had to spend the rest of the shoot escorted by the police - sounds cool but is terribly encumbering
 
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