I'm going to shoot in the subway (nyc). I'm working on a permit but nobody's replied to my messages yet. Filmmakers here told me you can shoot, it's the tripod that makes the permit necessary. That's where the stabilizer comes in (hope that works).
I'll be using a canon hv30 or 40 camcorder. From my search so far it seems next to impossible to make your own Steadicam so I'll focus on the stabilizer. The most popular search i got was this $14 stabilizer by a guy named johnny. I saw something for around 30 or 40 too.
quote:
Originally posted by 15filmakernyc
I'm going to shoot in the subway (nyc). I'm working on a permit but nobody's replied to my messages yet. Filmmakers here told me you can shoot, it's the tripod that makes the permit necessary. That's where the stabilizer comes in (hope that works).I'll be using a canon hv30 or 40 camcorder. From my search so far it seems next to impossible to make your own Steadicam so I'll focus on the stabilizer. The most popular search i got was this $14 stabilizer by a guy named johnny. I saw something for around 30 or 40 too.
I don't know NYC law, but in Los Angeles, the difference is whether you are shooting news or not. The minute it is a "production," then you need a permit. Generally, if you are shooting without a tripod or lights (except a sungun on the camera), the authorities will assume you are news... unless it doesn't look like the standard head&shoulders reporter shot.
So, yes, it is about the "tripod" but only sort of. If you are NOT shooting news even though you don't have anything on the ground (tripod, light stands, etc), they'll still likely stop you and insist that you have a permit.
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com
I read up on the Mayor's office of film/tv/theater I need 1 million insurance which the school should take care of. Will they? Maybe if somebody picks up their phone.
There's also a non-refundable $300 fee that could be waived if I can prove it's too much. It is.
I guess what I'm saying is, the help is out there and I have to call every 5 mins to get it.
I'm open to changing the story if need be but everyone that reads it says it was made for the subway and they can't see it happening anywhere else.
Remember this commercial? ?url? http://www.youtube.com/user/ShareATT?v=9xAJmdhQzJ4&feature=pyv&ad=5575145071&kw=at%26t%20commercial?/url?
That's the inspiration.
Well, you are using a consumer camcorder and you plan on shooting handheld (with some stabiliser). If the shots don't involve a lot of running/walking/up/downstairs movement, you may even be able to get away with using a cheap consumer tripod as a stabiliser (with legs retracted and folded). All you need is to add some weight to that little consumer camcorder and your handheld motion will be much smoother. Especially since there is the built-in optical stabilisation in the lens.
In other words, it is highly unlikely that you would be asked for a permit if the camera you use is the same as what many tourists around you will have. Then again, if you also bring lights, bounce boards, boom pole and mic and a 9-member crew, you may attract attention...
