Shooting in Public

[Carl Merritt]

As I understand, it's perfectly okay to videotape people in public - like paparazzi can photo a person that's on a public street or they, the photog, is on public street.

So if I video an actor on a crowded downtown street for a dramatic video, would I need permission from each person on that street, or is it cleared already because we're on a public street?

Thanks.

[Paul Tauger]

I can't give you legal advice because you're not my client, and this topic has been discussed quite a bit before.

Short version:

1. Right of publicity laws vary from state to state.
2. False light defamation is always a concern.
3. Incidental reproduction copyright infringement is always a concern.

As a general rule (and thsi is only a general rule, not advice), you can photograph people wherever they have no expectation of privacy.

[Carl Merritt]

Thanks.
I'll search the forums for the previous threads.
Sorry I didn't do it before posting.