Why can't you do the muzzle flash and squibs digitally?

If you have your permits you should be able to tell the city what/when you need it and they'll have a cop on set (you'll pay them for that) and you shouldn't have any trouble.

Of course it all depends upon what city/country you are in.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

quote:

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Originally posted by spikeraber

Does anyone have experience working with the city/police?

I want to shoot on a main street of a city and by shoot I mean fire a gun. In the middle of the night. Is there some sort of permit for that kind of thing? Is it possible?

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Yes it's possible. I have plenty of experience working with the city/police on this. Depending on where you live, there may or may not be a permit requirement. But you will need permission. Even if you do the muzzle flash in post. Most cities have restrictions on filming in city streets regardless of the content of the shoot. Cameras, lights, crew and actors block access and local merchants and residences in the nearby area need to be notified.

If nothing else, that's just common courtesy. Especially if you aren't going to have lights and a large crew and cast. It can be a little scary to see people in the main street in the middle of the night shooting a gun.

If your city has a film commission (and many do - even small ones) go there first. If you don't have a film commission then go to the local police department. Be prepared to answer any questions they might have - how many people will be there, the hours you will be shooting, how much noise you expect to make, the date you want to be there, if you will need the street blocked off and exactly what the scene will be.

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)