Obtain Press Pass

[RGB]

Hello, I am looking to get information on obtaining a freelance videographer press pass. Is this doable? I would like to be able to take my equipment into Concerts and Sports events and tape, with the possibilities of selling my footage as documentary footage of these events.

I have heard of organizations that give you these types of privileges if you are a writer or a large broadcast company. but what if you are an individual freelancer wanting to get footage to start your business and land gigs there after?

And if you do get a press pass, how do you go about getting access to events?

 

[Noiz2]

The events them selves give out the press passes. It's not like a passport, it's more like a Visa. Anyway talk to the PR person at what ever event you want to film. Your chances are not great since you are not press but you never know. However many things at games are copyrighted so you may not be able to sell footage you take. Or you may/ probably need to get releases from a lot of folks. I doubt any major event would let you film for a private enterprise unless you were working for them but you never know.

 

[n8ture]

Contact their public relations office.

Not being with an accredited organization will work against you. You should start building relationships long before an event to gain access.

 

[RGB]

thank you both for the insight! I will try to use some of my charm and see if it helps.

 

[JRAnderson]

Years ago, when I started as a freelance photographer, I created my own "news company" -- to make myself sound more "official." Not unlike, I imagine, some of the one-man "production company" names I see here. That way I could send requests for press passes on formal letterhead, throw around business cards, etc. I got into all kinds of events that way.

That's also about all you need to get credentialed with most local police departments, too, if you want to try chasing ambulances and freelance out to local TV stations. These days, a simple website would help, as well.