Indiana Laws About Filming in Public that Every Filmmaker Must Follow
Filming in the Hoosier State certainly has advantages. But if you’re thinking about filming in Indiana you’re going to have to first familiarize yourself with local laws. State-by-state laws on filming in public vary. And Indiana laws about filming in public are quite different from many other states. Before you bring your crew to the Hoosier State to start a commercial shoot? Make sure that you’re fully aware of these Indiana laws about filming in public. And that you know what they mean for you and your production.
STOP! You Can’t Record That!
Film laws in Indiana explicitly state that consent is required in order to film and legally record the audio of a conversation.
Now this doesn’t mean you need to have permission from everyone involved in the recording. But it does specify that you must have permission from at least one-party.
One-Party Consent Law
It’s called the one-party consent law, and it’s common in many of the states throughout the U.S. Especially in the Midwest including Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Kentucky.
Indiana laws about filming in public, like the one party consent law, place restrictions and limitations on the amount and type of recordings which take place.
Seek Consent
In the event that a filmmaker is interested in capturing a conversation that is taking place. Either in public or in a semi-private location in Indiana. They must seek consent from at least one of the people they are filming in order for the production to be fully legal.
Therefore, it’s important for you, the filmmaker, to carry with you talent release forms and other types of release forms. Which can be signed by anyone that you intend to film while you’re in the Hoosier State.
Recording Police in Public in Indiana
Indiana laws about filming in public also sometimes refer to the instance of state, county, or city officers of the law.
Say you’re wondering if recording police in public is okay in Indiana. The general consensus is, “No, you may not legally film police in Indiana without first seeking their consent.”
But why?
Many police have their own rules or regulations on whether it’s okay or not to film, especially when they’re in public.
Indiana laws about filming in public when police are concerned can actually be rather confusing, and might leave you wondering if the laws are actually for, or against, you.
The Takeaway
Although many argue that not allowing filmmakers to capture police on camera or requiring a permit or other legal permissions in advance of allowing a filmmaker to film an officer, is against their constitutional rights.
The truth is, filming police in Indiana without their permission is largely based on the individual circumstance. Before you shoot, make sure that you’re aware of local rules, regulations, and unique requirements for the city and state in which you’re filming.
