Do I need permission to use the sidewalk in this case?

H

harmonica44

I found a perfect location to do a shootout for my script. It's a parking structure, with a unique shape, and the light bouncing off the walls works, with some additional reflectors or something. I am going to ask permission. Now since it's a parking structure people will be able to see inside and call the police, so of course I will call the police and let them know that I have permission to use the structure to fake a shoot out for a movie.

However, in the script the guys who run into the structure, run in with their guns drawn. I mean if are going to engage in a shootout, whether you are a cop or a gangster, you would draw your gun before entering the bullet zone, so it logically makes sense, that they draw their weapons as they run up, prior to entering. It also makes sense that they stay on the sidewalk as they take cover and move in smartly, while shooting cover fire, rather than just running in blind. So the actors will be shooting on their way in, while still on the sidewalk.

Do I need to get permission from someone else, other than the owner of the building, when it comes to the sidewalk in front of the building?
 
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My friends were saying it would also have to be closed probably. But we wouldn't have to close it. We just have people running up with guns. Pedestrians are still free to use the sidewalks as they please.
 
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Well if blocking off the streets for this one side walk thing must be done, than I will call and ask. I just hope they don't ask for 2 million dollars like the last time I inquired about it at a different location.
 
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They probably wanted two million in insurance coverage, which costs about $600 the first day and $50-100 a day after that for most small crews. Assuming Canadian permit requirements are similar to most US cities, add in an off duty officer for the set and permit fees you're looking at $800-1200 for the first day of shooting there.

Yes, you're on a budget, so do what budget guys have to do: Write what you can shoot. If you can't afford to use guns/prop guns on public property then write for private property. Or don't shoot action without a budget.
 
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PaulGriffith said:
They probably wanted two million in insurance coverage, which costs about $600 the first day and $50-100 a day after that for most small crews. Assuming Canadian permit requirements are similar to most US cities, add in an off duty officer for the set and permit fees you're looking at $800-1200 for the first day of shooting there.

Yes, you're on a budget, so do what budget guys have to do: Write what you can shoot. If you can't afford to use guns/prop guns on public property then write for private property. Or don't shoot action without a budget.
Click to expand...

WOW thats expensive for public liability! I paid 60 pounds for one day cover for up to 5 Million.

But as Paul said: Replica guns in public and low budget dont mix!
 
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Okay thanks. What if I directed the script in a way to we skip the guys with guns running down the sidewalk and we shoot in the parking structure only? Now the parking structure is still open to public view and people walking by can easily look inside it and see what is going on. Will the street still have to blocked off, if we stay off the sidewalk, and restrict shooting to the structure only? Is the structure, legally considered private property, on the weekend when it's not being used and we get permission from the establishment? Why would an off duty officer have be on set? Are they afraid the replica gun props may be real?
 
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Dang Phil! I've heard of good deals but never seen anything that cheap. That's nuts.

In America, if you're on provate property and have permission to be there you can do almost anything you want short of pyro. If people can see you it's still good to be smart about it, maybe let the police know what you're doing.

As far as the off duty cop, that's what most cities require to close off a street or for any other permit-required activity. Depending on the street you may need several.
 
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Okay thanks. Here's what I will try to do. If I get permission from the company who owns the parking structure, to use it on the weekends, when it's not being used, then I will film on the parking structure only. And let the police know. As far as the actors running up along the sidewalk, I will save that for a different day, and I will only have it so they are reaching for their guns and they run up, but do not pull them out. It should still be read as logical enough to the viewer, and I can shoot that on another day, and they won't actually have guns hidden in their jackets.

And of course I will intercut the two together afterward. Does this sound like it will be much cheaper?
 
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