Off-topic for Grazie re: London Indie Film Environment

soundguy63 wrote on 7/19/2002, 8:38 AM

There's a post on the 2-pop website from a guy moving to London. He's asking about the environment (permits, police hassles, film commission contacts) for continuing his work on independent films. Thought you might have some useful info. He didnt list a direct e-mail, but you can see the post at
http://discussions.2-pop.com/forums/cameras.cgi?read=24774
Regards! Jay

Comments

Grazie wrote on 7/19/2002, 9:46 AM

I can't give an Experienced eye-view to the London-Indie Film situation.

Hmmmm....

Very interesting - just phoned a professional film-maker to pick his brains - Most districts in London are called Boroughs. -I think there are 23 in all - Anyway, each Borough will have - or should have - its own film liason officer. Now then, City of London is something else. It is a rule to itself - but is very approachable. Westminster COuncil [Houses of Parliament; Buckingham Palace areas and so on] will have its own film liason Officer etc etc. But I suppose if I was an "out-of-townee" I would make a bee-line for the BFI [British Film Institue or the National Film Theatre - both still, I think, located at the SOuthbank Arts Complex. He should really get onto a website and have a look see. People are very willing to assist. Oh yeah and don't forget the new Greater London Authority [GLA].

He must be able to have an introduction via his pals this side, who would help. Of yessss - the film schools around London and the Institue of Videographers - these are all good signposters.

HOWEVER .... one does have to excercise a little bit of common sense, discretion and natural savvy. If he he's just wandering the areas with a couple of crew and kit, then, any small scale - not a cast of thousands or even tens, tucked away around the corner to make the triumphal march up Piccadily - then discretion should see him through. Of course, yes the Police have the right to ask questions and help to protect us and own property soooo... they will do their job. Get in touch with the authorities and make a decision. I work on and off for a local London authority who has a most charming Film Unit Officer.

Oh, if there is lots of rig and danger-stuff, electricty and so on then a full and thorough Health and Safety audit needs to be done, need to look at all the legal stuff aswell. Private Property is another thing and he would need to seek, and have in writing, permission etc etc. Another thing is Public Liability Insurance and so on and on and on......

Better to get in touch with the BFI A.S.A.P.- good people to do busniness with!

Grazie