Australia - public location filming law at DVinfo.net

Johannes Soetandi · February 2nd, 2010, 03:29 AM

Hi folks,

Searching through the forums, I know there have been some discussion about similar topic. However, I wanted to know from local videographers in Australia about laws on filming in public/private location.

Recently, I went filming on a beach. I was worried if people feel uncomfortable with me carrying a Z1 around. Do I need a permit on a beach? What about parks? Streets? etc.. When do you really need a permit?

Next week, I am trying to shoot in a library. I was thinking of using some 'blind spots' and film quietly. But worried if they take legal action towards me. So I tried emailing them and still waiting for a response.

NOTE: I'm trying to do filming only for Pre-Wedding video. And most of the scenes will not involve conversation at all, require limited to non-lighting and only for about 30 seconds footage. And most probably won't cause much disruption to the surroundings (like cable running through, etc).

Cheers, :)

John

Brian Drysdale · February 2nd, 2010, 08:40 AM

Regardless of the public streets, you'll need permission to film in a library. I'd phone rather rely on e-mails.

Chris Soucy · February 2nd, 2010, 02:59 PM

Check the web site/ phone your local city/ district council.

They should have a film liaison section responsible for issuing permits for shooting on Council property, which is undoubtedly what the library will be, if it's public.

They should also be able to give you the low down on where else/ under what circumstances permits are/ are not required.

Else front up to the library and ask a real human being, I'm sure they have them there.

As you obviously don't fall into the Steven Spielberg category of film maker, I'd say you could shoot just about anywhere else but Council property with no hassles whatsoever, but I wouldn't take my word for it - the paranoia fairy sure does get about.

CS

Johannes Soetandi · February 2nd, 2010, 06:27 PM

Thanks guys. The library that I chose to do is a university's library. Now, I'm not too sure if filming in a university ground requires permission too.

I've emailed the library (rather than phone) for now so that I have a written record if they'd allow me. I'll make a phone call if there's no response within few days.

Chris Soucy · February 2nd, 2010, 06:50 PM

Well, if it's the university, you'll probably need to ask the uni admin people, not the library itself.

I know permission is required to film IN any Otago University buildings but NOT the grounds, which are considered public property, tho' if you really got up someone's nose they can legally sling you out on your ear.

CS

Brian Drysdale · February 3rd, 2010, 04:39 AM

Filming in university buildings here would involve the administration, the PR department or press officer may be a good start if they have one. If not phone and ask who you should contact - a lot of this kind of organising is done by phone and then ask for an e-mail. Although, I'd expect they would let the library know your shooting time and give you a contact person there.

Paul Mailath · February 3rd, 2010, 05:54 AM

this is a link to a good article on photogs rights in australia

Legal Information : Street Photographers Rights

February 2nd, 2010, 03:29 AM	#1
Johannes Soetandi Major Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 387	Australia - public location filming law Hi folks, Searching through the forums, I know there have been some discussion about similar topic. However, I wanted to know from local videographers in Australia about laws on filming in public/private location. Recently, I went filming on a beach. I was worried if people feel uncomfortable with me carrying a Z1 around. Do I need a permit on a beach? What about parks? Streets? etc.. When do you really need a permit? Next week, I am trying to shoot in a library. I was thinking of using some 'blind spots' and film quietly. But worried if they take legal action towards me. So I tried emailing them and still waiting for a response. NOTE: I'm trying to do filming only for Pre-Wedding video. And most of the scenes will not involve conversation at all, require limited to non-lighting and only for about 30 seconds footage. And most probably won't cause much disruption to the surroundings (like cable running through, etc). Cheers, :) John

February 2nd, 2010, 02:59 PM	#3
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,682 Images: 18	Hi Johannes........................... Check the web site/ phone your local city/ district council. They should have a film liaison section responsible for issuing permits for shooting on Council property, which is undoubtedly what the library will be, if it's public. They should also be able to give you the low down on where else/ under what circumstances permits are/ are not required. Else front up to the library and ask a real human being, I'm sure they have them there. As you obviously don't fall into the Steven Spielberg category of film maker, I'd say you could shoot just about anywhere else but Council property with no hassles whatsoever, but I wouldn't take my word for it - the paranoia fairy sure does get about. CS

February 2nd, 2010, 06:50 PM	#5
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,682 Images: 18	Hi again.................. Well, if it's the university, you'll probably need to ask the uni admin people, not the library itself. I know permission is required to film IN any Otago University buildings but NOT the grounds, which are considered public property, tho' if you really got up someone's nose they can legally sling you out on your ear. CS

February 3rd, 2010, 05:54 AM	#7
Paul Mailath Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Coast - NSW, Australia Posts: 1,606	this is a link to a good article on photogs rights in australia Legal Information : Street Photographers Rights __________________ Cheers - Paul M. www.perbenyik.com

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February 2nd, 2010, 08:40 AM	#2
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,143	Regardless of the public streets, you'll need permission to film in a library. I'd phone rather rely on e-mails.

February 2nd, 2010, 06:27 PM	#4
Johannes Soetandi Major Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 387	Thanks guys. The library that I chose to do is a university's library. Now, I'm not too sure if filming in a university ground requires permission too. I've emailed the library (rather than phone) for now so that I have a written record if they'd allow me. I'll make a phone call if there's no response within few days.

February 3rd, 2010, 04:39 AM	#6
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,143	Filming in university buildings here would involve the administration, the PR department or press officer may be a good start if they have one. If not phone and ask who you should contact - a lot of this kind of organising is done by phone and then ask for an e-mail. Although, I'd expect they would let the library know your shooting time and give you a contact person there.