Hi,

I am producing a commercial film project, and some of the film took place on the outdoor grounds at a university. I used the university grounds because of its historic look. Its not supposed to represent a university in the film, its supposed to be a castle environment.

The university footage is only 1 min out of the 2 hour film.

I already shot the footage without permit, and dont plan to get a permit after the fact.

Assuming the film was a success, I am wondering if the university could sue me if they found out i shot at there school. And what kind of damages could they really sue for?

There are no identifiable emblems or symbols of the university that were in the shot. However, some of the 1 min footage is shot in a well known area that people usually take their wedding videos.

Should I be worried? And is there such a thing as fair use.

T

You should be fine...especially if it is a state school. You have the legal right to film or photograph any public area. The rules could be a little different on a private-school campus...but I seriously doubt they would contest anything after-the-fact. (on a private school campus, they might ask you to stop filming if they saw you in the act)

Also if you are a student of a state university, you have to right to display and use their official emblem/logo, as long as you do not modify it in any way.

Been in the same situation and it came back to kick our butts. Go get a release. Even public buildings are cause for trouble.