Ohio Film Laws for Filmmakers & Producers
As a filmmaker, you’re responsible for understanding the local laws. And regulations that pertain to any state that you travel to for a film shoot. Ohio, like many other states throughout the country, has specific laws in place. Protecting the public from unlawful invasion of their privacy by filmmakers. As such, certain filmmaking practices could be illegal. Especially for a filmmaker that breaks particular Ohio film laws pertaining to child labor, filming in public, or filming without permission.
Say you’ve never filmed in Ohio before, and this is your first commercial shoot in the Buckeye State. It’s important to familiarize yourself with local privacy laws.
At Beverly Boy Productions, we’ve got professional film crews located throughout the United States and around the world. Ready to follow local rules and regulations to ensure a safe, and legal, film production regardless of location.
Ohio One-Party Consent Laws
Ohio is one of several states in the U.S. that have a one-party consent law. Which prevents filming, wiretapping, or electronic communication from being recorded without consent of at least one party involved in the private communication.
While the one-party consent laws of Ohio are not nearly as protective. As compared to states like Florida which have two-party consent. They do offer more protections than states that lack consent requirements at all!
Plan Accordingly
In following Ohio film laws such as the one-party consent law of Ohio. Filmmakers must make sure they obtain consent from at least one of the parties they intend to film if audio will be captured alongside the visual footage.
As a filmmaker, you should plan accordingly! Make sure that you’ve obtained consent from those you intend to film.
Ohio Child Labor Laws for Filmmakers
Filmmakers that intend to use child labor in any productions that they are involved in must be sure to follow appropriate child labor laws.
Individual laws in Ohio don’t specifically target employment of minors in the entertainment industry. This doesn’t mean that filmmakers are exempt from following the regulations set forth for general child labor in Ohio.
As such, Ohio child labor laws for filmmakers include the following:
- Performers must have parental consent.
- A work permit will not be required. But employed minors must limit work hours based on age. They may not work in excess during any time in which they’re required to also be involved in school.
- Minors must not work during nighttime hours and should not be expected on set before 7 a.m.
Ohio Laws on Filming Without a Permit
Like other states, filmmakers are responsible for obtaining film permits when they are in Ohio. Filming in Ohio without a permit could land you in hot water.
If you intend to film in Ohio, on city streets, bridges, or in parks or various other public places you’ll need a film permit. Generally, permitting is handled by the individual city for each area in which filmmaking takes place.
You can work with the Ohio Film Office for details on individual film permits. Particularly in the areas in which you intend to film to secure proper permitting for your production.
The Takeaway
As you can see, Ohio film laws are an important aspect for filmmakers to familiarize themselves with prior to shooting in the Buckeye state.
If you’re considering a film shoot in Ohio, consider communication with the local Ohio Film office, as well as with local law enforcement to ensure you’ve got your rules and regulations in place, first.
