What are the qualification/standard a company needs to have to be accredited for a general press pass. I am a videographer and would like to be able to go into events/debates/openings..etc to shoot footages for publishing purposes. I researched online but could not find very helpful info, a lot of the websites offered press passes, but they all seemed like a scam to me. If anyone can provide any sort of info I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
Press Pass to events
- Thread starter GREYTV
- Start date
grinner
Carbonite Member
There are no general press passes, as you can imagine.
You get them from the officials of that particular event. I shoot morotsports every weekend and I have found it easier to just walk in like I own the place than going through proper channels. I am not suggesting this... just telling ya what I have learned. My walking in, and asking the biggest security dude to step aside so I can get a shot garantees me the shot where as asking permission is somewtimes a 50/50 chance.
For insurence purposes, I always need an arm band and sooner or later, sombody asks me to go sign the waver and get one. It's always after I have established some dominance there. I have never been asked to leave an event. I have been told what I could or could not shoot in some cases, due to exclusive contracts and such but have never been denied a piece.
They key is to not look like you HOPE to have access.
You get them from the officials of that particular event. I shoot morotsports every weekend and I have found it easier to just walk in like I own the place than going through proper channels. I am not suggesting this... just telling ya what I have learned. My walking in, and asking the biggest security dude to step aside so I can get a shot garantees me the shot where as asking permission is somewtimes a 50/50 chance.
For insurence purposes, I always need an arm band and sooner or later, sombody asks me to go sign the waver and get one. It's always after I have established some dominance there. I have never been asked to leave an event. I have been told what I could or could not shoot in some cases, due to exclusive contracts and such but have never been denied a piece.
They key is to not look like you HOPE to have access.
Mattykins
Cute Member
Depends on what the event is. Some major events you need to buy media passes. I was in the Paintball Industry for a while, ran a media production company. We had exclusive contracts with several events in New York. Any other camera that wasn't under my crew needed to be approved by me and typically wouldn't be able to get inside of the netting. Also calling and asking for major events is good too. If you hype it up, they might let you in free. But other events they require you to buy the pass. Which can be pretty expensive. It all depends what event you are considering doing.
There is no general press pass though. You can make one. I did for a paper I worked with and was able to get into events by showing them the pass and telling them I was a photographer for said paper. Which I was. Though we weren't given passes. It was a kinda, go out and do what you gotta do deal.
When I worked for an accredited magazine, we were given credentials. Though if you are planning on getting into a major event and don't have an in. They will ask for credentials. Basically you won't be getting into Premier events in Hollywood unless you are attached with a real magazine, paper, or whatnot. And yes, when requesting for passes at the Oscars and such, they make sure you have the credentials. Which also includes call verifying. A student paper I worked with tried to get the press kits for the oscars and we couldn't get verified.
There is no general press pass though. You can make one. I did for a paper I worked with and was able to get into events by showing them the pass and telling them I was a photographer for said paper. Which I was. Though we weren't given passes. It was a kinda, go out and do what you gotta do deal.
When I worked for an accredited magazine, we were given credentials. Though if you are planning on getting into a major event and don't have an in. They will ask for credentials. Basically you won't be getting into Premier events in Hollywood unless you are attached with a real magazine, paper, or whatnot. And yes, when requesting for passes at the Oscars and such, they make sure you have the credentials. Which also includes call verifying. A student paper I worked with tried to get the press kits for the oscars and we couldn't get verified.
Press passes are usually arranged ahead of time by your media employer. You check in and receive it. I get press passes all the time for sports events here. It takes a media employer who has a relationship with the venue or league to arrange for you on a case by case basis.
Only in old black and white movies does a reporter get let in to something because he has a press badge in his hat band.
Only in old black and white movies does a reporter get let in to something because he has a press badge in his hat band.