Filming rights in the UK

[Jim Andrada]

A few years (well maybe MANY years ago) I did a lot of photographing in the Boston subways - I had a similar experience in that they told me I needed a permit - which they were more than happy to give me. Of course as part of getting the permit I had to sign an insurance waiver that absolved them of any responsibility if I for example backed up to get a better shot and backed clear off the platfom

Rather reasonable I thought.

[Andy Wilkinson]

It goes from bad to worse here in the UK. A dad can't even take a snap of his kid in public now!

Man Suspected Of Being A Paedophile For Taking A Photo Of His Own Son While Out Shopping | UK News | Sky News

[Andrew Smith]

Terrorism is one thing .... what really scares me is an attack of the stupids.

Andrew

[Claire Buckley]

Very interesting these responses, and reading the OP's blog article. I think in all elements reported here it is the context that is important.

Many years ago I was producing a doco which needed visits to Blackpool and we had shots of the Pleasure Beach interiors (private property). This was not long after this area had some bad press. I had previously spoken and agreed access with the owners, told them what we were doing etc... and paid filming rights...

Come the day my crew and I entered the area and we were stopped and questioned quite intensely. It was only when I produced documents and after their security had contacted key people that we were allowed access. Same thing applied in rail stations.

That was 15 years ago. Today, it is more intense, but I think the same rules do apply:

1. Make sure you contact the RIGHT people.

2. Get the RIGHT agreement and clearance.

3. In the UK, contact any local authority, council or city department in ADDITION to the private "principal" individual.

4. Obtain permissions in writing.

5. Have available and by agreement contact numbers in order to refer enquiries.

Worked for me across many complicated shoots - then.

Dare say things may have changed on a number of levels, including idiots in uniform, social paranoia and even more idiots in uniform possibly with some having a grade C pass in woodwork.

:)

[Andrew Smith]

"having a grade C pass in woodwork" ... that's quite an euphemism you've got there!

LOL! Classic!

Andrew

[Jim Andrada]

Now now now - don't diss woodwork. Maybe saying a grade C in personal hygiene would be more appropriate

[Colin McDonald]

Arriving at Newcastle yesterday I was asked to stop filming the EastCoast (rebadged National Express) train I had just got off as it departed on its way to Kings Cross...

Funnily enough, I had almost the exact opposite experience today in Lancaster station.
On leaving the Glasgow train, I saw a British Transport polisman on the platform and asked him for permission to film my departing train as I had not had time to "sign in" with the Station Manager. It took a few attempts to communicate this to him, the station staff and the "team leader" (apparently some stations have gone the way of Banks regarding managers). I was eventually asked "So you just want to film a train?" which is a breath of fresh air as far as I am concerned. I was suddenly transported back to to the 1970s when people who photographed or filmed trains were regarded as harmless eccentrics (in which category I should almost certainly be put).

The man collecting train numbers was also left in peace although I can't say with certainty that he wasn't plotting some awful crime.

[Colin McDonald]

Sorry this is more anorak railway stuff but it might be of interest.

I was filming my son sitting in an empty train at a rural terminus recently. The guard noticed me, said I really should have a permit, but could continue filming until the point when other passengers boarded the coach. I though he was being a bit over cautious but was at least trying to help, so complied meekly.

I then wrote of the the TOC (Train Operating Company) to clarify the rules. At first they said that I should fill in the filming permit application anyway, gave me a link and I downloaded it. It is clearly for major productions and contained the following chilling statement:

SECTION THREE : CONDITIONS OF ENTRY TO (TOC) /
SERVICES / PROPERTIES FOR THE PROPOSE OF FILMING.

3. access to (TOC) Stations / Services / Properties is subject to an administration fee of £500
(excluding VAT) for the first hour and £300 (excluding VAT) for each hour thereafter. This fee
does not include the provision of non scheduled train services, train crew or equipment. A full
quotation will be provided if this application is successful.
I hereby confirm that the above details are accurate and correct. I confirm our acceptance of the
conditions of entry to (TOC) Stations / Services / Properties for the purposes of filming.

I wrote back and said that "I am concerned that by submitting a completed application form that I would be committing myself to a payment of £1292.50 each for the three hour outward and return journeys which seems a little excessive for a family day trip."

Here's the useful bit - they replied

I appreciate your concerns regarding completing the formal application form and I can advise the rules for filming relate to commercial filming only, where the equipment needed is significant. It appears from your correspondence that your recordings will be for family use only and I understand that it will not involve any other passengers or staff. I can confirm that if you are only using a standard handheld video camera the rules do not apply.

So it just rests on the interpretation of the "standard handheld video camera". For me a Canon HV-30 rather than an XH-A1 (it's to bulky anyway) and don't pimp it up with long furry things. I still intend to use a small support bracket and a W/A converter.

[Brian Drysdale]

This EU ruling may be of interest:

Home Office reviewing European Court appeal rejection over Section 44 - British Journal of Photography

[Colin McDonald]

Interesting development over school paranoia about taking photos of Nativity Plays:
BBC News - Nativity photos not against law, says data watchdog

Link to statement: http://www.ico.gov.uk/ (In latest news section)
I had to change the file extension from .ashx to .pdf to read it - YMMV

Full guidelines at http://www.ico.gov.uk/upload/documen...ing_photos.pdf