Proper clearance for highway shots
 

One of the films we are considering shooting next year includes long shots of a vehicle travelling down the open highway.

I'm wondering what sort of clearances we need for a location like this, and who do we get them from? I've done location releases for private property and for public areas such as parks, etc. but what sort of clearance do you need for interstate highways?

Thanks!

My first suggestion would probably be Department of Transportation for the State in question and the Highway Patrol since it's their roads and well if you need traffic blocked etc..etc..

Jason,

Are you talking about sitting in the back of one vehicle, and shooting another? Pretty straightforward stuff. But if you're talking about starting and stopping on the side of the road, mounting a camera on the hood, or trailering a camera car, then you might want to check with the DPS before 'going gorilla'.

Richard, you nailed it.

We'll be shooting a vehicle in motion from another such vehicle, either following side-by-side (on a four-lane highway) or from the front or back of the subject vehicle. We don't need to disrupt traffic in any way, but I'm worried that I'll be asked to provide documentation of proper clearances from a distributor when the time comes.

I think I'll start with the DOT for the states in question and go from there, thanks guys!

I am pretty sure that for Interstate highways, you can rely on a 14 foot 3 inch clearance, unless otherwise posted. State and local roads may be different.

Talk to the local film commission, maybe even the state.

heath

I like Heath's thought.The film community for the area may have the experience with those authorities to answer the question.
Bob I like that , I bet you get some unique angles on your shoots.

I like that idea also, too bad they just closed the Wisconsin film office :(

...but maybe there are local commissions and such that I can find insted.

Thanks again guys!

closed? Perhaps talking with the local police. Get them in a shot and they might even be friends, lol.

Hey Jason, do you come through Appleton at all? Maybe we could grab some coffee and talk DV.

Not much, other than running up to Green Bay to visit the in-laws...

I do have a couple of friends who do videography and one of them lives up in Appleton (at least for now, I think he's moving to Madison as soon as he can sell his condo).

I've been meaning to go up there and scout around for some possible locations however, if I'm going to be in town I'll drop you a line for sure. If you're down in Madison (or in the unlikely event that you're in Beaver Dam) feel free to do the same and maybe we can get together and chat.