I want to film in Detroit but when I contacted the city's film office they told me in order to get a permit I need insurance. The secretary also told me she believes in order to film anywhere outdoors, I need a permit. Great, thanks police state.
Google makes it look as though it's a $500 minimum for the non-scam film insurance agencies (one company I keep seeing is 'wildcard' insurance - not legit) and this is an out-of-pocket production... ouch.
I'm wondering if this would be possible: having the crew wear neon orange vests, hold up signs saying "FILMING IN PROGRESS," using megaphones to tell the crowd we're filming AND going into any shops in the area and alerting them to our presence - then calling the police department and asking if an officer would kindly check out our equipment and tell the dispatchers. Having a cop on-scene and a bunch of forewarning that we are only a harmless film crew, would that work?
Some quick info about the production: The spring airsoft guns in question are probably all going to be broken, and all effects will be added in post. It's a big chase scene between the main character and government agents. These agents are actually - in the story - ordered not to use their firearms in public places, meaning agents will be chasing the main character around and only in back alleys and unpopulated areas will the actors pull out their glocks and pretend to fire upon him.
I don't want any lectures - I'm in my 20's - so before you offend me no, the scene will not be cut from the movie! I am considering doing this under-the-radar but instead of any "I heard this one kid" or "they thought it was real and..." or "better safe than sorry" I would rather hear concrete options - basically what I can get away with!
Also note that I think the general population are a bunch of sissies and cowards if they can't let some good-natured lads take to the streets and make a low-budget movie without paying $500+ in insurance and a permit. Thanks for any (good and helpful) advice!
Google makes it look as though it's a $500 minimum for the non-scam film insurance agencies (one company I keep seeing is 'wildcard' insurance - not legit) and this is an out-of-pocket production... ouch.
I'm wondering if this would be possible: having the crew wear neon orange vests, hold up signs saying "FILMING IN PROGRESS," using megaphones to tell the crowd we're filming AND going into any shops in the area and alerting them to our presence - then calling the police department and asking if an officer would kindly check out our equipment and tell the dispatchers. Having a cop on-scene and a bunch of forewarning that we are only a harmless film crew, would that work?
Some quick info about the production: The spring airsoft guns in question are probably all going to be broken, and all effects will be added in post. It's a big chase scene between the main character and government agents. These agents are actually - in the story - ordered not to use their firearms in public places, meaning agents will be chasing the main character around and only in back alleys and unpopulated areas will the actors pull out their glocks and pretend to fire upon him.
I don't want any lectures - I'm in my 20's - so before you offend me no, the scene will not be cut from the movie! I am considering doing this under-the-radar but instead of any "I heard this one kid" or "they thought it was real and..." or "better safe than sorry" I would rather hear concrete options - basically what I can get away with!
Also note that I think the general population are a bunch of sissies and cowards if they can't let some good-natured lads take to the streets and make a low-budget movie without paying $500+ in insurance and a permit. Thanks for any (good and helpful) advice!
Maybe some useful footage to come from this.
