OT: Public Rights

Bob Greaves wrote on 3/1/2005, 11:30 AM

I've noticed that in Japan (see the Grudge) that they film actors in public places without a problem. In the USA, film makers tend to block off sections of town to film actors with extras filling out the crowd.

I would like to create short skits in real settings. I would also like to alter the images I capture to create special affects.

For example, I was thinking of following an SUV I have access to through a green light repeatedly for several takes at this particular intersection. Then I wanted to approach the same intersection with a red light for several takes until I capture a large truck racing through the intersection just as I approach.

With a bit of frame by frame editing I then want to paint the truck to make it look different and have it seem as though it plowed right into the SUV with the traffic light seeming to be RED.

Ultimately this is not my truck, and its identity will be somewhat disguised in the special affects editing.

Is this legal? What limitations exist? Are public places free for the grabbing of footage?

Comments

Liam_Vegas wrote on 3/1/2005, 11:41 AM

Is this legal? What limitations exist? Are public places free for the grabbing of footage?

Technically... as long as there is nothing readily identifieable on the truck I think you could do this.

BUT... in some cities you are required to get a film permit to go around with you camera. There is often a charge to get this.

However... many people are known to do it "guerilla style" and just hope they get away with it (in some places the police will stop you and either "move you on" or give you a ticket).

filmy wrote on 3/1/2005, 1:34 PM

Short answer - if the "large truck" is in anyway "branded" you can not use it in the context you are asking about.

For longer answer do a search because I know this sort of thing has come up before.

On the other subject touched on - the reason "film makers tend to block off sections of town to film actors with extras filling out the crowd" is because one needs shooting permits to gain access to do the shot how they want. other countries do this as well, but they may handle it differently. There is a great little piece on some of the scenes in 28 days later and how they managed to get traffic held up for some of the shots. And that leads into shooting with no permits - in general you can do this most anywhere, unless it says photography is not allowed. The "rule" usually is no tripod. This goes for still photography as well. Once you put sticks on the ground you can easly get busted for shooting without a permit. The other "rule" is common sense - you can just stand on a street in lower manhattan and shoot a car chase complet with gunplay. (unless you happen to be outside of the Hott92 studios) or have a crew and cast of thousands show up and expect to be 'directed" and 'blocked".

farss wrote on 3/1/2005, 3:20 PM

Pretty much the same down here in Sydney. Decades ago if you were making a 'movie' just about everyone fell over themselves to help and for free. Since Hollywood came to town the only thing they fall over themselves to help you with is empty your pockets.
For what you are doing and no matter where you are the biggest issue you need to think about is insurance.
Oh, and just in the last few months down here the hottest topic on talkback radio has been councils banning the taking of photoes or video on beaches or swimming pools, even if they're your kids winning their first swimming carnival.
Bob.