Comments on: Filming in Public Places

By: luchian

luchian — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 11:57:04 +0000

It is pretty much the same thing in Romania, too ! It looks like no matter where you are if you show confidence that you are not doing anything wrong you will win. But if you show just a little weakness, they will think you are doing smt against the law and it is just the opportunity for them to fine you or just not allow you to finish your work.

By: Matt Holt

Matt Holt — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:00:24 +0000

I don’t suppose anyone knows if the law is likely to change once the new “Digital Rights Bill’ goes through?

thanks

By: Patrick

Patrick — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 06:15:57 +0000

Thanks Philip, that’s extremely helpful advice. I will look into that. All the best -

By: pbloom

pbloom — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:36:13 +0000

join bectu, doesnt cost much and you get public liability.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:27:52 +0000

Hi Philip -

Great, informative article, thanks. I have a question for you – I have been self-shooting in the City of London, a Sony Z5 and a tripod, and have not had any bother at all, even at one point when filming police activity (my understanding is that it is not illegal to film a policeman, or anyone for that matter, from a public walkway, but that they can stop you under section 44 if they believe you may be a terrorist).

I have been told, however, that I need public liability insurance to film in the City – is this compulsory, or just a good idea?

I should probably add that I am not currently being paid for the film, but am hoping to sell it ultimately.

By: Kieran

Kieran — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:46:41 +0000

Too many experts out there when it comes to filming in public; actually I heard an interesting word for one type of person, a Jobsworth, someone who’s usually in a voluntary safety role, has no authority to stop you, insufficient knowledge of the law, but still goes ahead and stops you. There’s even a short film about this, ‘Freedom to Film’, follow the link http://www.worldbytes.org/programmes/013/013_003.html

By: pbloom

pbloom — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:38:55 +0000

in uk they can stop you using it

By: Ben Leonard

Ben Leonard — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:57:16 +0000

Hi i’m just wanting to enquirer what the laws are regarding footage that hat been shot in a privately owned but public location without permition from the landowner. What can this footage actually be used for and if the landowner did find the footage would he be in his rights to prosecute the film maker.

By: VonRiesling

VonRiesling — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:43:01 +0000

I carry a photographer’s rights printout I got from the web. I’ve not had to use it but it might work in situations where guards feel like they need to hassle. They are asking for a piece of paper, you hand them one. Chances are they won’t really know what to do with it except maybe disappear for a few minutes to show it to someone (try and read it in private with their lips moving – they are not at the top of the job food chain).

By: Richard Sharpe

Richard Sharpe — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:35:45 +0000

Thanks for this clear guide. Let’s keep fighting to keep public what is public.