I am new to the world of video and am going to attempt to make a travel video.

1. What do I need as far as releases when doing an interview, say with a PR rep or manager of a hotel, or interviews with any persons for that matter?

2. What about footage I shoot in public? Say for exapmle I shoot some quick video of the exterior of a hotel from the street because I think it would be a nice place to stay and want to include it in a "great place to stay" portion of the video. Do I need to get the hotels written permission to use the footage?

Any other advice would be appreciated.

Quick answers:

Aways get insurance for every day you shoot
Yes- get a location release for every place you shoot
Local film commisions are a great resource and "in" with many places and will help make sure you get what you need legally.

sometimes places will want to see scripts so they know you wont be defliing them or thier name... keep that in mind... and always carry that location release form with you once you are on the set, people will try and kick you off the property if they catch you without it.