Film Permit vs Stills Permit vs NO Permi in Los Angeles

I

itsastruggle

Shooting in LA for the first time and worrying about permits. I read that lots of indie productions either shoot without a permit or get a stills permit which is cheaper. Cannot afford the $775 for a film permit.

Anyone have any experience shooting in LA with no permit or with only a stills permit? If a cop stops you, will he know the difference between a stills permit and a film permit?
 
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itsastruggle said:
Yes but we are filming with DSLR camera so I think we can easily pass as a photo shoot.
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See how it goes and let us know. You are really asking a moral question. Like, "Should I pirate this software or buy it?" The state requires a permit, so we won't tell you to not get one. If you get away w/o great, or by claiming stills great, post back and let us know your experience.
 
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itsastruggle said:
Interesting. Not sure I want to add forgery to the list of crimes committed to get my film made. lol
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You could try bribing the police with a few boxes of doughnuts.
IDK.. one crime is as good as another.

I would suggest looking up the jail time you may be accountable for, before you commit any criminal act.

don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
i think in LA of all places they would be able to tell the difference between a video shoot and a photo shoot.

maybe they won't be vigilant? maybe they'll love doughnuts.
 
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itsastruggle said:
Yes but we are filming with DSLR camera so I think we can easily pass as a photo shoot.
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If you are looking for excuses to give the authorities that's a good
one. I was answering your question. The police in Los Angeles know
the difference. If you are in an area that requires a permit and you
have the wrong one you will be asked to leave. There is no jail time
associated with filming without a permit. You may be cited and fined
but no one will be arrested and tried and end up in jail.

Where do you need to shoot?
 
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directorik said:
If you are looking for excuses to give the authorities that's a good
one. I was answering your question. The police in Los Angeles know
the difference. If you are in an area that requires a permit and you
have the wrong one you will be asked to leave. There is no jail time
associated with filming without a permit. You may be cited and fined
but no one will be arrested and tried and end up in jail.

Where do you need to shoot?
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The only outdoor shoots are in NoHo and Burbank. Going to steal the shots on a Saturday and Sunday morning. Hoping there will be nobody around and that cops will be leanient since there is no public inconvenience.
 
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AlyG said:
So how did it go? Were you able to shoot without getting hassled, fined or jailed?
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So far so good. Still have more to go. Found a couple things to our benefit. 1. Shooting EARLY on saturday or sunday. 2. Shooting with DSLR and tripod. No steadicam/shoulder rig. We look like a photo shoot. 3. Keeping it small. Have only essential staff nearby (small group) everyone else lay back. Actors on lav mics and sound guy laying low.
 
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