When planning a video or photography shoot, one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects is obtaining the necessary permissions for your shoot locations. Whether you are filming inside a corporate office, on a busy city street, or even capturing aerial shots, securing the appropriate permissions is crucial to ensure that everything goes smoothly. In this post, we’ll break down the process for obtaining location permissions for your next shoot, along with some helpful tips and how partnering with a professional company like St. Louis Photographers can make the entire process seamless.
Step 1: Understand the Importance of Permissions
Before diving into the logistics, it’s important to understand why obtaining permissions is essential. These permits not only protect you and your team legally but also ensure that you’re respecting the rights of property owners and local authorities. Filming or photographing without permission can result in fines, the halting of your production, or even legal action. This can be especially problematic when working with commercial properties, residential areas, or public spaces, where location rights are crucial for smooth operations.
Step 2: Identify the Location Type
The first step in getting permission is to determine the type of location you’ll be using. The process varies depending on whether you’re filming indoors or outdoors, on private property or public land, and whether you’re using specialized equipment like drones.
Private Locations:
For private locations such as offices, warehouses, or commercial spaces, the property owner or manager’s consent is required. Typically, this involves negotiating access with the owner or manager, determining the terms (like timing and any restrictions), and securing a contract outlining the agreed-upon terms.
Public Locations:
Filming in public spaces like streets, parks, or government buildings requires permission from local government bodies or municipal authorities. You may need to submit a filming permit application, which may include details such as the purpose of the shoot, the dates, and the necessary equipment. There may also be fees and insurance requirements.
Aerial Drone Photography:
Flying drones in many areas requires additional considerations. In most urban areas, drone flights are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and certain locations, such as near airports or over crowds, may require special clearances. If you’re shooting indoors, specialized drone operations and clearances are needed, and not all drone operators are equipped for this kind of work.
Step 3: Gather the Necessary Documentation
Once you’ve identified the appropriate parties and permissions needed, it’s time to gather all the required documentation for your shoot. This typically includes:
- Location Agreements or Contracts: These should outline the terms of access, including shooting times, areas of the property being used, and any limitations or rules.
- Insurance: Many locations will require insurance coverage, especially for large shoots involving equipment or personnel. This could include liability insurance and worker’s compensation.
- Filming Permits: For public spaces, permits may need to be submitted to local authorities. Be prepared to provide details on your crew size, production equipment, and planned shots.
- Drone Clearance: If your shoot involves drones, ensure you have the proper FAA documentation, and if shooting indoors, ensure the property is large enough and safe for drone operations.
Step 4: Coordinate with Local Authorities and Teams
For shoots that require coordination with local authorities, such as those on public property or in areas requiring road closures or security personnel, you’ll need to submit your application early. Communicate clearly about your production’s needs, schedule, and any impact it might have on the public. Be prepared to provide additional information to smooth the permitting process.
If you’re shooting indoors, you might need to coordinate access with building management. Let them know if you require specialized equipment such as lighting, cameras, or drones, as they may need to help facilitate access to certain areas.
Step 5: Plan Ahead for Potential Issues
It’s crucial to have contingency plans in place for unexpected challenges. Weather, delays, or scheduling conflicts can affect your shoot, so ensure that you have flexibility built into your location agreements. Be respectful of the location owners’ time and property, and always have a backup plan if issues arise.
Why Partnering with St. Louis Photographers Makes a Difference
Navigating the complexities of securing permissions and organizing a successful shoot can be daunting. This is where a professional team like St. Louis Photographers comes in. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we’ve been serving businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area since 1982.
With our experienced team and the right equipment, we’re equipped to handle all aspects of your production. Whether you’re shooting a small corporate video, a large-scale commercial, or a drone operation, we have the right tools and expertise. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots.
At St. Louis Photographers, we specialize in repurposing your photography and video branding to help you gain more traction. We are well-versed in all file types and media styles, ensuring that your content works across all platforms. Our private studio offers a perfect setup for small productions and interviews, while our larger space can accommodate props to round out your set.
From a private custom interview studio setup to providing sound and camera operators and the necessary equipment, we have everything to make your next video production perfect. We can even fly specialized drones indoors, offering unique perspectives that are otherwise difficult to achieve.
In conclusion, obtaining the right permissions for your shoot is vital to a successful production. When you partner with St. Louis Photographers, you get more than just a team of experts; you gain peace of mind knowing that all the necessary permissions, equipment, and professional support are in place for your shoot. Let us help you capture the perfect image or video for your business’s needs.
Reach out to us today to start planning your next project with a team you can trust!
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