Shooting in public - do I need releases for everything?

[dalethompson]

I'm going into a film festival here in Toronto (it's only for a one minute film) and I will be shooting most of it in the streets of the city. I have an idea to shoot some things out in public and since it will just be me and my T2i (no other crew involved),

I wanted to know if I need releases on hand for everything and everybody I shoot? I plan on featuring quick pans and snippets of scenes in public, not focusing on anyone in particular, more like scenes of people walking down a street, in a park and sitting outside a cafe or restaurant patio. No children at all in the film either, I def don't want this to be any more complicated legally than it already may be.

Do I need permission to do this if I'm not on private property? Do I need to have someone sign off on a release if they are featured in it for 5 seconds or less? Nothing will be demeaning or shown in a bad light either... it's basically just shots around the city of everyday life.

TIA,
Dale

 

[Allan Black]

It varies city to city country to country. Call city hall anonymously and ask .. explain that you're a film student doing a short basic exercise which won't be publicly aired. Have a bogus title ready if needed. Good luck cheers.

 

[clang]

Yeah, as a Toronto film maker you really need to find out what Toronto's polices are on filming in public - this will be useful for any future filming.

One extra point - do your best to avoid any shots in which members of the public are recognisable - they may become justifiably upset at appearing in your film without their permission and could possibly even sue, depending on canadian law. Often that can be avoided by simply framing your shot right or keeping shots wide. In other cases some subtle use of blur filters in post will keep everyone 'anonymous'. And also consider roping in some photogenic friends to act as extras, so you can show them any way at all - but still get a signed release from them first.