shooting a sketch in a grocery store

[drewtarvin]

i want to try to shoot a sketch video that takes place in a grocery store but i have no idea about the rules about that.

i imagine i could technically try to do it "rogue" and just go in and start shooting, but what's the right way to do it? do i need to get a permit or just find a store willing to let me do it? will it cost money?

also does anyone know of any grocery stores that might be open to this kind of thing?

thanks for the help
drew

 

[h0h0h0]

Hey Drew,

I can only offer you an "If I was you!" but it would be good to talk to a store manager at some of the places you are interested in filming. They might be able to help you.

If you're shooting a porno though I would just go rouge.

 

[drewtarvin]

thanks

i think that's what we're going to try to do, hopefully we'll find someplace cool with it. thanks for the help.

 

[DanAbrams]

There are all sorts of issues. Definitely get the store manager's permission. I believe Kurt may have gotten in trouble a few years ago during a Neutrino shoot, in a grocery store, but I'm not positive. If you plan for any sort of publication, you also need releases from everyone who's in the shot and from any brands. I'm from a film school background, so I take this stuff very conservatively. Get permits, people, it's easy.

 

[drewtarvin]

dan- thanks for the insight, i hadn't even thought about the brand stuff. i dont think we'll have any shots with other people in the background and i guess we'll have to try to get it without any recognizable brands.

how do i go about getting a permit?

 

[DanAbrams]

You only need a permit for shooting on the street. If you're doing handheld, it's different. They just changed the rules in september or october, making them more lenient.

It's handled through the Mayor's Office of Film and TV. They'll have a list of rules on the website and the information on getting a permit (I believe it can be done online now). If you're concerned with real publication, as opposed to youtube, I highly recommend finding a line producer from a local film school.