Showing drug use

[cheeseandachallenge]

So I have a short coming up, part of this depicts smoking an illegal substance (depending where you live). It will show the process of actually rolling a joint/packing a bong/etc.

Typically, I'm in favour of showing the *real* thing if I can (and [substance] isn't exactly hard to come by, even though I don't smoke) - but is there any disadvantage to doing so? I don't think, that in the case that a member of authority sees the film that they'd bother to follow it up. So this is probably an overthinking things question, and I can't see many issues coming from it - and if I used something that looked like [substance], I'd worry it might not be convincing - but is there anything I should consider (other than the actual implications of getting hold of it).

 

[sfoster]

Be sure that all of your cast and crew are okay with it and that none of them are going to narc on you

 

[Beatlesfan1225]

So I have a short coming up, part of this depicts smoking an illegal substance (depending where you live). It will show the process of actually rolling a joint/packing a bong/etc.

Typically, I'm in favour of showing the *real* thing if I can (and [substance] isn't exactly hard to come by, even though I don't smoke) - but is there any disadvantage to doing so? I don't think, that in the case that a member of authority sees the film that they'd bother to follow it up. So this is probably an overthinking things question, and I can't see many issues coming from it - and if I used something that looked like [substance], I'd worry it might not be convincing - but is there anything I should consider (other than the actual implications of getting hold of it).

Well, I live in Denver. So, I'm sure I wouldn't have much a problem with this

On a serious note, though, I don't think showing a substance being used is a bad thing in a film. However, you may want to seriously consider faking the substance, instead of actually getting it having the real thing on camera. I doubt it would be that difficult to fake as a prop - there are lots of water vapor props and what not to fake smoke.

 

[cheeseandachallenge]

Well, I live in Denver. So, I'm sure I wouldn't have much a problem with this

On a serious note, though, I don't think showing a substance being used is a bad thing in a film. However, you may want to seriously consider faking the substance, instead of actually getting it having the real thing on camera. I doubt it would be that difficult to fake as a prop - there are lots of water vapor props and what not to fake smoke.

You could be right. Is there anything that'd make a convincing enough substitute? I can do the smoke fine, but the actual product?

Be sure that all of your cast and crew are okay with it and that none of them are going to narc on you

I have complete confidence in this being ok, as I'm pretty close with all of them (and they're all far more inclined to consume a substance than I ever would be). But yeah, I have complete trust in them.

 

[mlesemann]

I often show people drinking alcohol in my movies but never use the real thing - after a few takes their concentration simply isn't going to be great. Plus there are issues if they're driving later.

 

[cheeseandachallenge]

I often show people drinking alcohol in my movies but never use the real thing - after a few takes their concentration simply isn't going to be great. Plus there are issues if they're driving later.

It's going to be a few cutaways shot at the end of the day. No one drives either.

 

[GuerrillaAngel]

There's nothing quite like providing authorities evidence to use against you in a court of law.

Someday down the road you may find yourself in court for one thing or another. You'll kick yourself if you lose your kids or end up with additional jail time if this tape surfaces.

Fake it.

 

[cheeseandachallenge]

There's nothing quite like providing authorities evidence to use against you in a court of law.

Someday down the road you may find yourself in court for one thing or another. You'll kick yourself if you lose your kids or end up with additional jail time if this tape surfaces.

Fake it.

Good call.

You're right.

Thanks.


Any ideas on what to use?

 

[Holocene]

Good call.

You're right.

Thanks.


Any ideas on what to use?

It depends on the scene. Is it just being rolled or smoked aswell?

I've used Oregano before, which is a herb used in cooking. It can be found at any supermarket.

 

[Beatlesfan1225]

Indeed, if you're just showing it in a baggy or something, oregano would suffice.

Otherwise, I'd consider getting some of those water vapor prop cigarettes and making some modifications on them - perhaps wrapping them in some sort of green substance.

 

[sfoster]

Just roll a tobacco joint and pretend it's a spliff if you don't want to use the real thing.
Although personally I hate smoking tobacco

 

[NickClapper]

Fake it.

Film sets are dangerous work places, there should be no intoxicating substances consumed at any point. That's true for alcohol and it's definitely true for pot.