Are Residents Entitled for Compensation Due to Film Crew Blocking Streets?

In most cases, when a film crew enters a public area or a residential area to produce a commercial shoot. There are rules and regulations that prevent them from blocking the streets. Or otherwise disrupting the residents unless they have a permit to do so. As a resident that has dealt with a film crew in your area. Or someone who has been interrupted by commercial shoots, you might be wondering. Are residents entitled for compensation due to film crew blocking streets?

Technically, there are local laws surrounding what is, and is not, acceptable of a film crew in the local area. But when it comes to blocking the right of way? Additional protections are almost certainly afforded.

Can a Film Crew Block the Right of Way?

In terms of what is and is not okay in regards to a film crew blocking the right of way, laws will likely vary by state and by city.

In short, most public right of ways must not be blocked by a commercial film crew. Unless such blocking of pedestrian right of way. Or the streets is covered in the permit that the film crew acquired in advance of the shoot.

Local Rules

Local rules vary on whether or not permits will be granted for the blocking of streets. Some residential areas will not allow film crews to block streets or traffic in any way and other areas might make it permissible.

As long as a special fee was paid during permitting to provide for traffic control through local law enforcement. 

Are Residents Entitled to Compensation for their Disruptions?

What you really want to know though is, “Are residents entitled for compensation due to film crew blocking streets?” And the answer is, probably not!

Very rarely will a film crew be due to pay off compensation for any disruptions that they make to public roadways, sidewalks, or otherwise. In fact, residents are not likely entitled to any form of compensation or payment from the film crew while they’re there.

Talk with the Film Crew

If you’re wondering, “Are residents entitled for compensation due to film crew blocking streets?” and the purpose of your question is because you’re irritated.

Or otherwise frustrated with a particular film crew that has blocked your access to your home, office, or otherwise the best thing you can do is talk to the film crew about how you feel.

If the film crew won’t work with you, or if they have a permit that allows them to block the area off. You’ll need to speak with the local permitting office about the matter.

Because when a permit is involved, the film crew has paid for the right to be in the area and there is little recourse for residents.