shooting on the Golden Gate Bridge?

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first feature filmmaker here.

I will be attempting to shoot a scene on the Golden Gate Bridge guerilla filmmaking style (four actors, five crew members, about 3 minutes screentime). My question is, can I do this? Will some cops come over and bust me before I get my first shot in? Do I have to get a location permit? If so, how much will shooting on the GGbridge cost? Never shot at such a marquee location before, so any advice would be helpful.

p.s. If anybody has shot on the bridge before, can you let me know what to expect (I know the wind will probably be heavy, but anything else?)?
 
Re: shooting on the Golden Gate Bridge?

Post 9/11 has been rough for filmmakers, The camera can look like a weapon...and on a national landmark...someone will call the cops...

I've been on many sets now, and the one thing I tell new filmmakers...

Don't hope for the best...It'll waste your time.

Expect the worst; plan for the worst. That way you'll be prepared.

If you really want to shoot there, go to your town hall, ask what steps are needed for filming on a location...permits etc.

Plus tell the police, let them know ahead of time, so if there are any calls about a "weapon"..."crowd of people"..."disturbance"...They'll know.

What you're attempting is going to be hard as hell. I'm going through hell just shooting in a parking garage and a hospital (of course).

But...

Good luck, be safe, and don't hurt anyone!

Hope I helped...

Phil
 
Re: shooting on the Golden Gate Bridge?

I agree. Prepare for the worst. Kirshner said that before he filmed Empire Strikes Back Lucas said to him "expect absolutely nothing to work". And that was the best advice he could've given him. Cause nothing did! But the movie turned out okay so there's hope.

As for getting a location permit for the Golden Gate Bridge... does that cost money? Does anybody else know how difficult getting a permit in a place as high profile as the GGBridge is (done something similar?)?

Thanks,
chris
 
Re: shooting on the Golden Gate Bridge?

Permits cost money. Contact the city of SF for more info. It shouldn't be too much. Also, once you get the permit, call the police department and let them know that you'll be shooting, and that you have the permits, that way they don't come hassle you.
 
Re: shooting on the Golden Gate Bridge?

You said guerilla style: does that mean shooting in traffic lanes or just a walk and talk on the pedestrian sidewalk?
It's not the permit that costs the big bucks...it's the required insurance policy of at least $1 million liability+. Also, police and fire personnel may be required for the shoot as part of the permit process.
Time of day will almost certainly be an issue on the GG bridge because of traffic pattern/lane closures.
Don't mean to scare you off, but there is a lot to be considered when "going legit" in any big city national landmark situation.
Ken
 
Re: shooting on the Golden Gate Bridge?

Well, it might be SF or it might be Marin. I think it depends on where on the bridge you are located. You might find some info here:

http://www.goldengate.org/
http://www.nps.gov/goga/

Also, when I have filmed on the bridge I have done so very casually. As if I was a tourist. If you plan to have a big setup going or anything that will attract attention then you are screwed. Especially if you cause any traffic incidents. People driving on the bridge, especially tourists, will slow down for a seagull sitting on the rail and taking a crap.

I've seen the bridge send a SFPD motorycle cop down the sidewalk for things. They aren't fooling around these days when it comes to the bridge.

So, you might really think hard about doing some fliming without a permit or getting more info directly from someone at the gg bridge.
 
Re: shooting on the Golden Gate Bridge?

hmm, budget is 60 grand. 1 million dollars insurance... uh... right.

Does anybody know of a bridge (LA or SF) that can double for close-ups?

probably shoot as early as humanly possible when bridge traffic is light. Anyone who lives in S.F. know when the lightest traffic is? (sunday at 6 a.m.?)

thanks always,
chris
 
Re: shooting on the Golden Gate Bridge?

A million-dollar insurance policy doesn't have to be a big deal. I carry $2m in liability, it costs me $500 per year.
 
Re: shooting on the Golden Gate Bridge?

Yeah, you don't need to pay a million dollars to get a million dollars worth of insurance, that would make no sence.

Stupid thought, maybe use the dumbarton bridge? If you shoot carefully enough so as not to show the actual bridge, and just the view, it might work. Of course that little marina doesn't really look like the bay, so that probably won't work.
 
Re: shooting on the Golden Gate Bridge?

[quote author=c.g. eads link=board=Offtopic;num=1098394518;start=0#7 date=10/22/04 at 14:53:39]probably shoot as early as humanly possible when bridge traffic is light. Anyone who lives in S.F. know when the lightest traffic is? (sunday at 6 a.m.?)[/quote]

Early Sunday morning is good. Weekends though can get busy. Also, the west walkway is open on the weekends and evenings for cyclists. That might be an option if handled correctly.

I cross the gg bridge almost every day and very familiar with it. PM me if you want to talk about it.
 
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