Permits + working alone,

[TwistedLincoln]

I've been reading a bit here about permits and insurance for shooting in public places. All in all, I'm a bit confused. Please let me know if any of this is correct:

If I'm shooting images of public property on public property, I generally have to get a permit, which requires insurance (even if I'm shooting by myself??)

If I'm shooting images of private property from public property, I need to get permission from the owner of the property I'm shooting.

Certain things are in the "public domain," but there seems to be disagreement as to what those things are...

This is my first time shooting outside of a controlled set, so forgive me if these are basic questions. I've never really needed to get into this before.

I'm planning a short vacation in a few months, and thought it to be a good opportunity to get some shots of interesting places as I encounter them. Nothing recognizable, mind you. Just shots wooded areas, crowded streets (from far enough away such that no one is recognizable), and interesting objects or areas (broken down cars, highway footage, whatever).

My problem, of course is that I won't know exactly what and where I'll be shooting until I see it, and once I move on, it is unlikely I'll be coming back to that location again. I plan to use all the shots I get as transitionary shots in a project I'm working on-- and perhaps use a few of the wider shots for greenscreen work. I'd like to keep everything as legit as possible-- I know I can just shoot away and chances are no one will ever be able to recognize where the shots came from, but I'm curious nonetheless: what are the rules regarding these kinds of things?

 

[Blaine]

Just you and a camera? Looking like a tourist? You probably wouldn't have a problem if that's the case.

 

[galt]

Here in Sarasota County, I have been told that a one-man operation can get by without a permit. But if you have a boom op, want to stop traffic, control access, etc, then you need a permit. Even in stricter areas like NYC, a lot will depend on what you are shooting with. If you look pro with a big camera, more likely you will get stopped. Stick with a consumer-size camera (like new Sony baby-HDV) and you will be fine. They don't stop tourists, only people they think they can force to pay permit fees.

 

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

New York has a cool new thing, meant to get small productions to come into the city but benefiting local indies.

You can get a free permit for virtually anywhere in NYC the DAY OFF SHOOTTING! And even get a cop. COOL.

Sorry that doesn't help you much.