Can a Film Set Legally Prevent Pedestrian Traffic?
Filmmaking rules and laws on pedestrian traffic certainly vary from state to state, as well as from city to city. Film production frequently interferes with pedestrian traffic, but can a film set legally prevent pedestrian traffic from crossing the road? This is a common question that comes up among those who are new to filmmaking. As well as those who are simply pedestrians that may have faced a filmmaker that was blocking the road or the walkway. But, what’s the answer?
Can a Film Set Legally Prevent Pedestrian Traffic?
The short answer is, YES! However, filmmakers are required to file for a permit in order to interrupt pedestrian traffic in most cities.
If they have obtained the proper permitting for filming in the area and for interfering with pedestrian traffic. As well as for various other needs while producing in public. Then filmmakers can block pedestrian traffic without getting into any legal trouble.
Likewise, filmmakers that avoid permitting. Or don’t follow the appropriate permitting rules for the city for which they are filming in. Or for the individual location for which they are filming in.
They could face legal ramifications if they don’t know what is required or if they simply don’t care.
Where closing is possible
In most cities, it is legal to close the street, sidewalk, park, parking lot, and even beach access in order to film, as long as a permit has been obtained.
However, beach access cannot be blocked off on the West coast of the United States. Permitting rules will not allow for such. Nor will the local ordinances of the cities and counties located along much of the Pacific coast.
Legal Ramifications of Shooting Where Pedestrians are Present
Filmmakers that choose to film in locations where pedestrian traffic is possible must know the permitting requirements and underlying rules regarding filming in public as well as any regarding pedestrians.
Failure to educate yourself, and to make sure that you’re following all of the local ordinances and rules, could result in legal ramifications.
Whether you’re shooting on a busy sidewalk, or along a street where pedestrians may need to cross. Blocking pedestrian traffic without applying for and paying for the local permit to do so could be costly.
The Consequences
Most of the time, failure to obtain a permit will result in your shoot being shut down for the day. Some cities may not like that you chose not to apply for a permit in the first place, and might take a bit longer to approve a permit after the fact.
Or they might deny your permit, although situations like this are rare as the cities are generally happy to accept your money in exchange for the permitting.
Running the Costs
Some cities may fine filmmakers for blocking pedestrian walkways or city streets without proper permits. Either way, having your shoot shut down will result in a lot of costs for you as you must then re-shoot.
This means scheduling your cast and crew again and still having to pay for the permits that you didn’t obtain in the first place.
So, can a film set legally prevent pedestrian traffic? Absolutely, with the right permitting!