Shooting in public

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the legal requirements for shooting in public are, and how to get around them? I know I need to get a release for people who appear in the image, but what if those people are out of focus, too far away to be recognised, or too dark etc.? Is it still necessary? Also, what are the requirements as far as showing shop fronts, and also people's cars? Do I need releases from these people as well? I want to shoot both in the street and on the subway, is there anything else that people can recommend in relation to this? What would be a good way to get people on the subway to sign release forms, seeing as people are getting on and off frequently? Thanks for any help.

What is the film for?

If you are making it for television right away... or professionally then each person who is recognisable on the film MUST sign a release... if it's a lowbudget non-professional venture then just go ahead and film it!

The only permission you will need is probably from the subway manager (or you can film without... the worst that will happen is that you get chucked out) or the front of the shop you are filming at. If you are just walking past them the don't worry about it!

As for cars... as long as registration numbers are obviously visible this is fine also. (unless its your car the you can do what you want)

I've done this before many times. As I said, the worst thing that can happen is that you'll get told to move... whats the harm in that?!?

Thanks very much Phillip. The film is a short hopefully destined for film festivals and possibly TV.
What do you mean: "As to cars - as long as registration numbers are visible then that's fine also"? Does that mean I have to just get their permission? OR not worry? Or get a release?
Do you think also that if people are not recogniable then I don't have to worry about them? (after all - who's going to complain if they can't recognise themselves?)
I've heard about location releases from private property owners - do you think these would be necessary on the subway for example? How rigorously do film festivals/TV stations demand these? If I'm filming inside anyone's shop or bar or house etc. do I need to get one of these?
Thanks so much again. I've been trying to get this info for ages but haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Just shoot the **** thing.

Whatever happened to guerilla film-making?

I shot a short in a school and entered it into a film festival. They called back and said it was to be part of their TV reel, and they needed releases. For the festival itself they weren't necessary, but the television exhibition required location, personal and crew releases. I called back and said that I had a few shots in which I actually don't know who the **** was in the background, much less how to get them to sign a release. They said not to worry about it, and that it was more about the main cast, and people who are prominent onscreen. I said alright, and still couldn't find all the people (who had parts) to sign, because they had moved. So I sent them off anyway, and they didn't ask any questions and last I heard they are sending it off to the UK for some sort of film class on teen film making. But the long and short of it is it generally shouldn't matter, but be prepared to get the main cast to sign and avoid shooting people you don't know unnecessarily (just in case) if you wanna go half assed legally. And as far as guerilla filmmaking goes... it is the best. Just shoot it and do what you will.

...I think you're getting a bit top over the top with this location thing.

Just go out there and shoot it. If a public member asks what you're doing, tell them. If an authority figure tells you to move then do so... it's as simple as that.

Just go out there and film forget all this baggage!

i got thrown off a bus by the police for filming once - "breaching civil liberties" - what a load of sh?te...

'NEWS JOURNALISTS' (i use this tearm very loosely) are allowd to film anybody they want as long as its for one TV broadcast only. in the uk that is

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ October 07, 2002 06:31 PM: Message edited by: steven_craig ]</font>

I completely agree, it is all a load of shite, but I'd prefer to know these things and get the correct releases etc. at the time rather than be told afterwards that they can't show the film for lack of one or another release, and have to go back and worry about it all then - which may be a nightmare if people I've filmed etc. were anonymous bystanders, or if the place I've filmed in is private property and the owner tells me he won't sign a release form, and I have to chuck the whole scene away. Thankyou all though for your valuable input. Tom.

I did some filming in a Birmingham train station. Station officers came up to me and told me i'm not allowed to film. "Ok", i said. Ten minutes when the coast was clear I started shooting and completed my shots.
My point is just do what yer gotta do!