ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

8 years, 4 months ago - Andy Sowerby

Filming on street you'll need to probably contact your local film office. Eg

http://towerhamlets.filmoffice.co.uk/

http://www.2.southwark.gov.uk/info/1048/film_and_photography_permissions/1190/filming_in_southwark

The film office often have lists of locations to use too but they might be out of your price range.

If so I'd suggest finding someone who is trying to let or sell their property that you can pay a fee to use their (empty) property. I've contacted property agents before and found empty houses and got permission from owner to shoot in their house. It was for a feature but it was very low budget.

Or try a local Facebook group or similar and do a call out to anyone who wants to make a bit of extra cash for letting out their home

The only major issue you might have is whether you have insurance for the shoot etc. As it might put people off if you don't have that in place.

Good luck!

8 years, 4 months ago - Paul Campion

Information on filming in public:

http://www.britishfilmcommission.org.uk/crew-facilities/locations/filming-in-public-spaces/

http://filmlondon.org.uk/legal

8 years, 4 months ago - John Lubran

Local authorities have no powers to meddle with filming from a public place, even though they often erroneously believe that they do. Local authorities have some powers through statutory legislation to create by-laws that don't have authority of themselves but only where the by-law properly mirrors legislation or law. So, it all about obstruction. If one wants to set up a crane or tracking grips in a public place it may well present a statutory obstruction and a local authority has some powers to provide a licence allowing a temporary obstruction. If the only grip being used is a tripod no licence is required unless an actual obstruction according to the meaning of the word in

8 years, 4 months ago - John Lubran

Is actually evidenced. Merely using a tripod has already been established in the lower courts as not a regulated activity per se. So, nimbly shot stuff for factual or cutawas is probably free to do without a by your leave from anyone. A big location set up with cast and crew will most likely need a licence to obstruct.

Them the fact, all other explanation, no matter how grandly assumed, is wrong. There is a lot of it about!

8 years, 4 months ago - John Lubran

Local authorities have no powers to meddle with filming from a public place, even though they often erroneously believe that they do. Local authorities have some powers through statutory legislation to create by-laws that don't have authority of themselves but only where the by-law properly mirrors legislation or law. So, it all about obstruction. If one wants to set up a crane or tracking grips in a public place it may well present a statutory obstruction and a local authority has some powers to provide a licence allowing a temporary obstruction. If the only grip being used is a tripod no licence is required unless an actual obstruction according to the meaning of the word in English can be proven

8 years, 4 months ago - John Lubran

Sorry about that, I'm being challenged by technology!

8 years, 4 months ago - Anthony Hett

Thank you for the feedback everyone. Lots to think about. I will speak to the local council to get a feel for how they normally deal with such requests but I wouldn't imagine that we would be causing an obstruction and so we might be alright - fingers crossed!

8 years, 4 months ago - Richard Anthony Dunford

In terms of interior locations there's a site called quicklocs.com where you might be able to find something affordable

8 years, 4 months ago - Holly Jacobson

Do you plan on having massive crowds or tanks in a city centre? If not, consider do you need anyone's permission? Of course if you're wanting to have roads closed off or something then yes you'll need to contact the council, but unless you are creating an obstruction I don't believe this is necessary.

Have you thought about airBNB apartments as a cheap source of locations? I think it is a grey area whether or not you need permission to film there as you are really having a short term rental and you can film in a home you rent - but in the past I've asked permission to film in an AirBNB house and got it (along with release form). I think this may be a cheaper option than a space that has already decided to aim for big money from renting to TV and film. Of course, Facebook is cheaper still - ask your friends and get them to share it too - lots of people quite like helping out, especially if it's someone they know. Recently I needed a hair salon for a short scene - I went round loads of places, but because I needed them the shop to be closed the public (so a Sunday) I was having very little success. I put it out on Facebook and had five offers within half an hour. Best of luck.