Need quick advice on shooting on public sidewalk

Ryan Patrick O'Hara

Ryan Patrick O'Hara

Veteran
So I did a quick search and found nothing although I've seen this covered at DVXuser before. So, my question is, what can I get away with shooting on a public street in Los Angeles.

I am not using any lights, grip gear, etc. Nothing touches the ground. Just a lav'ed up talent (wireless) to a handheld HPX-170. Maybe a boom pole.

Is this legal? I know in many cities, so long as you don't set a tripod down or any equipment, it is the same as a tourist video, evening news team, etc. I haven't lived here long and i'm curious what constitutes a permit.

No matter what, I'm shooting it without, but for piece of mind, i'm curious how legal or illegal it will be.

Best,

-Ryan
 
I have done this in NYC and Philly and from what I have experienced in Philly as long as you arent blocking every day life no one will give you trouble. However in NYC you cannot have a tripod setup (usually busy places like time square) without a permit. It is not criminalized for lack of better words but it is technically illegal and if a cop is having a bad day he will make you leave. Make sure you don't shoot in front of hospitals or other high security places. Don't be afraid to go guerilla. I set up a 12ft crane in the middle of center city philly one night and got the shot in 10 minutes then peaced. I realize this isnt LA but im sure NYC is probably worse post 9/11. I'm actually on a terrorist watch list for shooting on a bridge in Philly without permission hah.
good luck.
 
You need to check your city's filming regulations and requirements. Every city is different. Here in D.C. where I live, you can't shoot anything without permit as soon as you are in public. It doesn't matter if handheld or on sticks, you need a permit. Having said that, I filmed many hours without permit. Each time I shoot a police officer stops and asks me for a permit, but they usually let me film (or at least gave me a few minutes) after I said "It's only for a documentary". I think as long as you are not obstructing the side walk and are nice to the cops, you might get away with it. Just be fast and be done before you run into trouble (I always have my wife in a car nearby on standby and leave the scene when I see police officers looking at what I do).
 
I've wondered about this if you ever tried to sell your film, do you need to show location permits in order to get E & O insurance?

Is this an issue at all?
 
What we do is always have a handheld mike with a logo on it , in our case SPOOKED TV, if we detect problems we just go into interview mode for student, independent news or travel shows, media has access more than film companies, we have never got into any problems and we have talked to many police officials , etc... But if you go into heavy duty film mode, they want the city to approve it so they can get payed a fee. If you are just going in independent and laved up, go for it.

Cheers
 
just do it Ryan. Live a little. If a cop shows up and tells you to leave, leave, but in LA, if you make it snappy, and you look like you know what you're doing, they'll drive right by. It also doesn't hurt to make a few fake press-passes.

and while i don't condone breaking any major laws, i don't believe anything here is major. Just make sure your badge has TMZ on it...clearly.
 
lairhair said:
However in NYC you cannot have a tripod setup (usually busy places like time square) without a permit. It is not criminalized for lack of better words but it is technically illegal and if a cop is having a bad day he will make you leave.
Click to expand...

Not true. As of last July you can shoot with a camera and tripod in most parts of New York City. New York is very filmmaker friendly. Last week I even got away with shooting in Washington Square with a crane. Did that for six hours and it was not an issue.
[FONT=PrimaSans BT,Verdana,sans-serif]In summary, permits will not be required for those shoots consisting of the following:

Camera (either hand held or on tripod)
Portable Sound

Minimal Cast & Crew

No Production Vehicles

No Stunt-Activity, or Any Circumstance Requiring Police Assistance

No Exclusive Use of City Property (blocking streets, holding areas, etc.)


Please keep in mind the following exceptions:

1. PERMITS ARE STILL REQUIRED FOR FILMING IN CITY PARKS. FILMING IN PLAYGROUNDS WHILE
CHILDREN ARE PLAYING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. PLEASE OBEY ALL PARK RULES W1ILE FILMING.

2. The following areas are still off-limits to filming: Minetta Lane, Minetta Street, Washington Mews,
and any areas listed on the HOT SPOT LIST issued by the Mayor's Office. This list is updated regularly
and can be found on the Mayor's Office web site at www.nyc.gov/film.

3. Anything above and beyond the size and scope described above will still require a permit issued by
the City of New York.[/FONT]
Click to expand...
 
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