Do you know about Laws or Restrictions for film in Victoria?

Hey All, Not sure if this is the right section to post this question, but I am shooting a low budget music video clip next weeknd and wanted to know if there is any laws regarding buildings or anything in the background? Trams, trains, train stations etc. Or even brand names, can they be seen in the video or is permission needed? If you have any idea or know of where I can find info on it that would be great. Thank you.

I only know about one of them, and that is that if you're planning on shooting ON a tram, then you have to get permission (presumably because of safety). I have no idea what other restrictions there might be; I suggest contacting the council you're planning on filming in. I think if it's in the background, then it doesn't matter; however, don't take my word for it just in case. I do know that certain areas (ie. heritage buildings or whatever) might have some restrictions on them, but probably more if you were filming within the building/outside the building itself, and using it as a setting. I don't know about brand names. Why don't you contact a film organisation, like Film Victoria, or something similar? Puppets and patterns at Puppets in Melbourne

. . . to consult the local government authority in the area, or, as Na suggests, Film Victoria. There are sensitivities about certain types of buildings these days. However, streetscapes and all they contain are in the visible domain, so by filming them, you are not doing anything that a pedestrian can't do simply by walking up the street. Interestingly, there was a case of Sony filing suit against a film company in the US because that company digitised Times Square to remove the Sony billboard (amongst others). In this case, Sony clearly wanted its brand seen in the movie.

**You Wrote** Hey All, Not sure if this is the right section to post this question, but I am shooting a low budget music video clip next weeknd and wanted to know if there is any laws regarding buildings or anything in the background? Trams, trains, train stations etc. Or even brand names, can they be seen in the video or is permission needed? If you have any idea or know of where I can find info on it that would be great. Thank you. ** Actually , councils and shires are quite sensitive about public filming - even photography - but if you let them know roughly when you will be doing it - they will be fine. Regarding the trains & trainstation, although they may be in a particular council (or shire) - they are still run by the Public Transport Authority - so you would actually need to get permissions from them. It costs a small fee (Just over $100.00) to film - but the catch is - you must also have Public Liability Insurance - I'm stuck here to so can't help you more then that!

I am recently taking teh creaive and media diploma. i was required to go into liverpool city centre to do some filming. it was only afterwards i thought about retsrictions or any laws to do with filming...who do i speak to? or is there any infomation i need to knw for next time?

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When shooting in public spaces it is also wise to keep in mind general common sense considerations. The ones most often encountered by video makers include: 000 Heroes. Firearms, weapons, mock fighting, holdups etc. If your project requires this sort of action then advising local authorities is a must. Members of the public and the police may see the (fake) gun wielding maniac before they see the tripod and boom mic. Ditto for anything involving loud noise, explosions or intrusive lighting. We were here first! You've found the perfect park, bus stop, shopping centre, alley location etc for your project. If it's a public space you do not have the right to just turn up, commandeer the area and prevent other members of the public from using it and going about their business. If you require controlled use of a public space then a few phone calls to the local council or management of a facility is the polite, and stress free, way to go. Added Extras. It's sort of creepy and not altogether right to video unsuspecting members of the public for use in your masterpiece, even if they are perfect additions. Think how you would feel about turning up in the background of a music video in the process of correcting a wedgie you got after completing a sweaty jog in a park! Bloody show folk! It goes without saying that you should leave any public space the way you found it. Leaving rubbish, damaged plants or property in your creative wake will not earn you an A+ for professionalism or public relations. Good luck with the music video shoot! Tulipa.

Film Victoria has excellent online resources for filming information. You might also consider joining OPEN CHANNEL, they can give advice, support and might even be able to help you out with the public liability coverage. Graeme Watson

Hi Guys, was able to film the music video in most places with permissions. Thank you to those who offered their helpful comments Film vic came in handy :)