Pennsylvania Filming Laws for Film Producers

The rights and responsibilities of a filmmaker that comes into the Quaker State to produce a film are important. As are local laws for filmmakers that consider a commercial shoot in Pennsylvania. For the protection of local residents, area business owners, and the visitors that bring motion picture productions to Pennsylvania. Filmmakers must understand the various Pennsylvania filming laws that are unique to the Quaker State.

To help you plan for your shoot, we’ve put together a list of some of the most important Pennsylvania filming laws for film producers to follow.

Pennsylvania Child Labor Laws for Filmmakers

Under state law, minors that are hired for work in the film industry will require special permitting and may not work in an area where there is alcohol. 

Those ages 7 to 18 are protected by local laws on child labor. This prevents filmmakers from placing children in situations on the set which could be dangerous.

Or those which might otherwise risk the health and welfare of the child. Parental consent is required for those interested in hiring children. And minor workers for film productions anywhere in the Quaker State. 

Pennsylvania Laws on Filming without Consent

Considering a commercial shoot in a public area of Pennsylvania? You’re going to need to familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania filming laws.

As pertaining to capturing video in visibly public locations. Such as local parks, state roadways, or in the local city or township areas.

Under Pennsylvania privacy laws, you may not film someone in the Quaker State unless you have their consent to do so.  

Under state law your rights are as follows:

• You may record something that is in an outdoor, public space and within plain view. 
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• Photos and videos of federal office buildings and local transportation facilities including the bus, train, and subway station. As well as the airport are acceptable unless filming at the Pennsylvania state and federal courts in which cameras inside courtrooms are prohibited.
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• Filmmakers may also film police officers unless they are ordered not to. In which case the officer has full right to request the filmmaker not record. And the filmmaker must oblige.

Pennsylvania Laws on Filming Private Property

Local Pennsylvania filming laws regarding videos that are captured on private property vary based on the property in which the footage is captured. Laws protecting those in private spaces are much different than those pertaining to public locales.

The owner of the private property location has the right to decide whether filmmakers may legally record within their location.

Say you’re going to be in Pennsylvania and you intend to film in a private location or setting. You’re going to need to seek permission from the location owner in advance of the shoot.

Failure to abide by the location owner’s wishes can result in your arrest for trespassing on the property.

In Summary

As you can see, the Pennsylvania filming laws vary greatly. Based on where you’re filming but generally require lower level consent. This is to ensure you can legally use the footage after you capture it.

Make sure to ask for permission before you film someone! Have release forms with you. As well as location agreement forms to ensure you can record consent.

This is to prevent any legal complications from filming in public, and private, locations in the Quaker State.