Shooting in Public at DVinfo.net

Carl Merritt · February 19th, 2005, 12:24 PM

As I understand, it's perfectly okay to videotape people in public - like paparazzi can photo a person that's on a public street or they, the photog, is on public street.

So if I video an actor on a crowded downtown street for a dramatic video, would I need permission from each person on that street, or is it cleared already because we're on a public street?

Thanks.

Paul Tauger · February 19th, 2005, 01:37 PM

I can't give you legal advice because you're not my client, and this topic has been discussed quite a bit before.

Short version:

1. Right of publicity laws vary from state to state.
2. False light defamation is always a concern.
3. Incidental reproduction copyright infringement is always a concern.

As a general rule (and thsi is only a general rule, not advice), you can photograph people wherever they have no expectation of privacy.

Carl Merritt · February 19th, 2005, 10:19 PM

Thanks.
I'll search the forums for the previous threads.
Sorry I didn't do it before posting.

February 19th, 2005, 12:24 PM	#1
Carl Merritt Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 60	Shooting in Public As I understand, it's perfectly okay to videotape people in public - like paparazzi can photo a person that's on a public street or they, the photog, is on public street. So if I video an actor on a crowded downtown street for a dramatic video, would I need permission from each person on that street, or is it cleared already because we're on a public street? Thanks.

February 19th, 2005, 01:37 PM	#2
Paul Tauger Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Los Angeles (recently from San Francisco) Posts: 954	I can't give you legal advice because you're not my client, and this topic has been discussed quite a bit before. Short version: 1. Right of publicity laws vary from state to state. 2. False light defamation is always a concern. 3. Incidental reproduction copyright infringement is always a concern. As a general rule (and thsi is only a general rule, not advice), you can photograph people wherever they have no expectation of privacy.

February 19th, 2005, 10:19 PM	#3
Carl Merritt Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 60	Thanks. I'll search the forums for the previous threads. Sorry I didn't do it before posting.