filming in busy towns

[Tony Webber]

hi,

Does anyone know what the laws are regarding filming a scene in a town centre.

Lets say we have a couple of characters wondering down a street where there are other people going about their business. In an ideal world i guess i would have enough money to clear the area and pay for extras to be there.

However, i dont live in an ideal world. Would i need permission from everyone who happened to walk into shot? Obviously i would have abtained filming permission from the police and the local council.

Also, what about peoples houses or shops, would i need permission if they happen to be in the shot? even if they arent refered to and are just part of the street.

Any help from people would be greatly received.

cheers

tony

[Paul Tauger]

With the understanding that I don't give legal advice to non-clients, and this response is intended only as a general discussion of the principles involved:

Would i need permission from everyone who happened to walk into shot?

You don't say where you are. However, most jurisdictions have right of publicity laws that would preclude commercial appropriation of likeness. You'd also have to be concerned about false-light defamation. To avoid this concern, get releases.

Also, what about peoples houses or shops, would i need permission if they happen to be in the shot?

It depends. Just for the building, probably not. If it has a sign on it, you may have a trademark infringement/dilution concern.

[Tony Webber]

thanks for your reply... sorry i forgot to mention in the posting that i am based in england.

[Mike Rehmus]

Oh well, then they just take you to the tower. Through the Traitor's Gate at high tide.