ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

12 years, 9 months ago - Yen Rickeard

The BFI link David gave us starts by saying that you need permission from the appropriate local authority or council to film on 'public land'. For a major feature, with the whole chabang of trailer, lighting makeup actors and crew of tens, then this essential. For a camera person, actor or two, director and runner this is not necessarily so. Anyone can take out their camera and film anything, even the MI5 building (though I don't recommend this), provided they are not causing an obstruction or otherwise making a nuisance of themselves. You do not need permission to walk, talk, take pictures, dance, sing, whistle or any other 'normal' activity in a public place - unless it is near the houses of parliament. (A whole other issue).

12 years, 9 months ago - Daniel Cormack

I think it's worth pointing out that you do NOT need permission to film on a public highway, just as anyone else does not need permission to go about their lawful business on one, although that does not mean you are allowed to cause an obstruction or a hazard. A tube or rail station is private land which would definitely require permission, but as far as I know a bus stop is part of the public highway.

HOWEVER, I imagine that unless you are shooting with just a handheld camera (or a small tripod) with no lighting, generator etc, then you are going to become something of an obstruction / nuisance and possibly even a danger to people trying to use the bus stop and so it may be best to square it all with Tfl and the local authority first and possibly get the bus stop closed as suggested above.

12 years, 9 months ago - Daniel Cormack

Worth noting that the Tfl link above only talks about filming *on* buses or *in* bus stations or depots and makes not mention of bus stops, which reinforces what I said above - ie. they don't actually have the jurisdiction to stop you unless you are causing a danger / obstruction, which it would really fall to the police to enforce. It is courteous and good practice to let the police know when and where you are filming.

12 years, 9 months ago - Joe Kotroczo

Yes, basically what Bill said. You can ask TfL to suspend a bus stop for filming purposes, but they will only do it on a quiet bus stop in outer London and for a fee obviously.

12 years, 9 months ago - Joe Kotroczo

Julian: Yes, you could just go and shoot it. And then put the footage in a drawer and forget about it. Because any distributor will ask to see your production paperwork, including release forms for the bus driver and passenger, and clearance to use the TfL logo/corporate livery. So: why bother shooting footage you won't be able to use. Just a thought.

12 years, 9 months ago - Shoaib Vali

your not going to be stopping traffic nor are you going to be cause disturbances on the pavement with a lot of gear, just film it. I mostly shoot guerilla, with the exception of few studio shoots, I never have any issue as long as I'm on a public property. The key is to carry minimal equipment and have minimal crew. Good luck with it.

12 years, 9 months ago - SP User

Depending on the size of setup etc, and if you aren't flogging this film, you could just go and shoot it. I know plenty of people who hve shot promos on buses etc by... Taking out their camera abd pressing 'record'. Unless you think TFL should own the light that bounces around their buses. I dont even think they should own the buses. Just a thought.

12 years, 9 months ago - SP User

Depending on the size of setup etc, and if you aren't flogging this film, you could just go and shoot it. I know plenty of people who hve shot promos on buses etc by... Taking out their camera abd pressing 'record'. Unless you think TFL should own the light that bounces around their buses. I dont even think they should own the buses. Just a thought.

12 years, 9 months ago - SP User

That depends on the type of film. Student film it doesn't really matter, same goes for indie promo, or your own film just to go online. But yes you're quite right, if it's due I be distributed etc then they'll ask for duh clearance. It all depends on what the OP is doing with the footage and the level they're working at

12 years, 9 months ago - SP User

I'd just shoot it at the stop. what's it gonna take? A few minutes? Even if anyone does bother to say "what are you doing?" you'll say "student film" and they'll leave it at that or be interested. You aren't selling it, you aren't a company and you aren't employing anyone. Fly free, young film maker. Don't let the virgins with clipboards cross out your dreams. ;)

12 years, 9 months ago - Bill Hayes

Firstly, you need permission to film on the street. As long as you have insurance, it is a mtter of filling in a form with the local authority. Secondly, unless it is a very rural location, bus stops can be busy. So you need to work out the logistics carefully. If the Bus stop has to be TFL, (ie in London) then you need to contact them. Before you do read the rules here: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/5225.aspx

If you can pull the story out of central London, then you could just make you own bus stop and after getting Local authority permission and errect it on a lamp post somewhere. Good Luck

12 years, 9 months ago - David Grey

http://industry.bfi.org.uk/publicspaces

12 years, 9 months ago - David Grey

Filming in public - in general: http://industry.bfi.org.uk/publicspaces
TFL has a film office: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/1511.aspx

12 years, 9 months ago - Franz von Habsburg FBKS MSc

Well firstly you will have missed the last actor, then after a 35 min wait, all 3 come at once...

12 years, 9 months ago - Amber Napthine

Ok thanks Bill , yeah I've got an idea of one that only one bus stops at every 20 mins or so , it's on a residential street in Bromley but I realise you also can't film someone getting on a bus :( but thanks guys!

12 years, 9 months ago - Amber Napthine

Thanks for all the response guys! Yes its a student film as in im a student and i was only going to put it on here or youtube and portfolio , could i film someonme getting on a bus or like from the other side of the street ?

12 years, 9 months ago - SONJA NASH

I recently had cause to request usage for a bus on a feature. However this project is planned as a commercial release and so it's different as anyone can block usage if they haven't given consent. Equally unless you have a contract, that little unknown actor that played a part just to get experience, may suddenly demand money for appearing in your 'now' highly successful movie. Everything needs to be tied down if you plan to do anything other than just use it for your own amusement. Not sure about Youtube and what regulations would apply here but I would be careful as effectively anyone can see it worldwide and that could cause a problem.
As a side: a lot of clients these days try it on by saying they want to keep fees low as it's only a 'corporate' etc., which is meant to be 'in house' advertising. But they then post it on Youtube!!! By doing this - it automatically has a potential worldwide audience and so the 'corporate' myth is blown to pieces and they've effectively tricked industry profs to work on the cheap.....
Anyway I digress.....found the bus company which happened to be 'Metroline' (as it was their bus route that we wanted to use in particular) were really helpful.
We did pay for the usage of the bus but we needed to have lights, sound equipment etc., onboard and couldn't get away with guerilla style of shooting. The fee we paid was nominal for the freedom it gave us.
If you're worried about winging it with a real bus stop, to do it for nothing - get an art department bod to make up a bus stop sign, stick it anywhere and just shoot it. Then you could always do something else with your film at a later date if you wanted to and no one would be on your case. Good luck ; )

12 years, 9 months ago - SONJA NASH

I recently had cause to request usage for a bus on a feature. However this project is planned as a commercial release and so it's different as anyone can block usage if they haven't given consent. Equally unless you have a contract, that little unknown actor that played a part just to get experience, may suddenly demand money for appearing in your 'now' highly successful movie. Everything needs to be tied down if you plan to do anything other than just use it for your own amusement. Not sure about Youtube and what regulations would apply here but I would be careful as effectively anyone can see it worldwide and that could cause a problem.
As a side: a lot of clients these days try it on by saying they want to keep fees low as it's only a 'corporate' etc., which is meant to be 'in house' advertising. But they then post it on Youtube!!! By doing this - it automatically has a potential worldwide audience and so the 'corporate' myth is blown to pieces and they've effectively tricked industry profs to work on the cheap.....
Anyway I digress.....found the bus company which happened to be 'Metroline' (as it was their bus route that we wanted to use in particular) were really helpful.
We did pay for the usage of the bus but we needed to have lights, sound equipment etc., onboard and couldn't get away with guerilla style of shooting. The fee we paid was nominal for the freedom it gave us.
If you're worried about winging it with a real bus stop, to do it for nothing - get an art department bod to make up a bus stop sign, stick it anywhere and just shoot it. Then you could always do something else with your film at a later date if you wanted to and no one would be on your case. Good luck ; )