Hello, okay, so here's the dilemma here:
Back in September I had went up to Canada from New York to location scout and to shoot a promo video (without being paid) for a location (interiors only) and we had gotten stopped by the border police and held for an hour and questioned since we had video equipment in the back of our car. It was traumatic in a way as we barely even got into the country - there was a chance we were going to be sent back. After an hour, they gave us the OK after asking us over 100 personal questions and contacting the location, etc.
Fast forward to now. I have made a donation to the location and in return they are allowing us to shoot there for two days in March 2013. It is my understanding to get work permit for working if you're hired by someone. This is not the case with us. Both parties are helping each other out - I'm donating to them, they're letting us shoot there. There is no hiring of my services, so the excuse of "as long as it doesn't take away from the job of what a Canadian can do, then you can enter" type of idea. Also, I'm not sure if I even need a LMO since I am solely producing the project here in the States, not them nor anyone in Canada.
So I just want the border issue to be as quick and painless as possible. I had sent two people e-mails pertain to our plans to come up in 2013 (and was advised to do this to show that there is intent to shoot). My main issue was that I did not want to get stuck at the border and told that I could not cross because of my Glidecam vest/arm, LED lights, stands, sound equipment, DSLR, crane, etc.
They mentioned that there is a 5% fee of entering so let's say it was $10,000 worth of equipment, the price would be $500.
So my question is, do I need a work permit based off of my situation? What do I need aside from the passport, $150 fee (is that even needed?) as well as forms, etc.
I wanted to make this VERY simple and to not fill out an application at the border to potentially be turned back.
Any thoughts, ideas?
Back in September I had went up to Canada from New York to location scout and to shoot a promo video (without being paid) for a location (interiors only) and we had gotten stopped by the border police and held for an hour and questioned since we had video equipment in the back of our car. It was traumatic in a way as we barely even got into the country - there was a chance we were going to be sent back. After an hour, they gave us the OK after asking us over 100 personal questions and contacting the location, etc.
Fast forward to now. I have made a donation to the location and in return they are allowing us to shoot there for two days in March 2013. It is my understanding to get work permit for working if you're hired by someone. This is not the case with us. Both parties are helping each other out - I'm donating to them, they're letting us shoot there. There is no hiring of my services, so the excuse of "as long as it doesn't take away from the job of what a Canadian can do, then you can enter" type of idea. Also, I'm not sure if I even need a LMO since I am solely producing the project here in the States, not them nor anyone in Canada.
So I just want the border issue to be as quick and painless as possible. I had sent two people e-mails pertain to our plans to come up in 2013 (and was advised to do this to show that there is intent to shoot). My main issue was that I did not want to get stuck at the border and told that I could not cross because of my Glidecam vest/arm, LED lights, stands, sound equipment, DSLR, crane, etc.
They mentioned that there is a 5% fee of entering so let's say it was $10,000 worth of equipment, the price would be $500.
So my question is, do I need a work permit based off of my situation? What do I need aside from the passport, $150 fee (is that even needed?) as well as forms, etc.
I wanted to make this VERY simple and to not fill out an application at the border to potentially be turned back.
Any thoughts, ideas?
