Photo credit zoetnet
The public can drive you mad whilst on a film set. As soon as people see the camera and lights – they think that there might be a celebrity about. It either plays that way or they think that the camera is filming them and come running on over demanding you to stop filming.The public is just another problem that needs to be solved on a film set, similar to the weather it can’t be helped and you never know what you’re going to get until you’re out there. Here’s a silly article I wrote on it maybe someone will find it useful…
Member of public #1 aka -
- If I walk in front of the camera I’ll be on TV
- If I shout really loud my voice will be heard on TV
These are the most common form of public nuisance whilst filming. It can’t be helped and although they can ruin a shot they usually shout once and wave down the camera lens and then there gone. The best way to deal with these guys is to just leave them be; if you start talking they’ll hang around so be quite – nod your head – and answer any questions in a short and polite manner.
Member of public #2 aka -
- Do you have permission to film here?
- You have to leave now
These guys are a big problem to film sets. I’ve had it many times and they can ruin a scene. They usually walk on to the set when your half way through filming and try to stop you. They might be the owner of a particular location, a policeman, a member of the local council or plan ignorant. Either way they will have some form of authority so be prepared for them at the start. Make sure you have full permission for every location (and if not keep your eyes peeled to flee at all times), print out all necessary paper work they may needed during the shoot. When filming at expensive or difficult locations it might be wise to have someone who works there or owns the property to be with you at all times (In case anyone claims you damaged there property after filming you have eye witness’s on your side).
Member of public #3 aka -
- I’m calling the police
- You best delete all of that footage now
I’ve has to deal with these guys before. When I was 15 years old and shooting a silly scene with some of friends -with just a handheld camera, a few balaclava’s and a cowboy hat – a large man stormed out of his house screaming shouting and threating to call the police. Obviously we we’re just kids playing about but he claimed that his neighbour had seen us all outside and was scared.
There are some people out there who don’t understand filmmaking and see the camera you have as a threat to them personally. The best thing to do is -wait for them to calm down and explain the situation to them. I find that saying ‘It’s just a student production’ can help you get away with a lot too…
Member of public #4 aka -
- What are you doing?
- Who’s in it?
Film sets are interesting, they look interesting and I know that even myself will take a little nose when I see a filming going on (mainly to see what camera’s there using). Most of the public will just leave you alone but some people will walk over and start to gossip.The best thing to do is to ask them politely to stand a far quietly and watch. They will just stand there and stare at everyone for a little while but that’s the price you pay for filming in a public place.
Amy Clarke is a 22 year old filmmaker from England. This is her personal film making blog.
