I read in a book, today, that we shouldn't use actual street names when writing a script for infringement reasons. I was just wondering if any of you knew more about this issue. Is it safe to use a city or a landmark in a story or does that violate some kind of a copy right law?

I've contacted my mayors office about this, somewhat. If you plan to film in the city and use a well known landmark or streetsign, then you need a permit. If you're just using the name, then I dont think thats a problem. Just check with town hall first

Ha, funny. Actually you dont need a permit to shoot a landmark but you may need one to stand on the street to shoot it. Having the image dosent require permission since it is a public property in plain view, but most cover this by requiring a permit to shoot on the street. It is better to get a permit if you can though just to save time and hassle incase police get involved.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans
Tizzy Entertainment "Redemption" Hi-Def trailer

I'm gonna kick my mayor in the ass

Plus you're just writing a script. Who cares? Write everything you want to by name if it goes to production the Legal Department will bring up anything that needs to be changed.

"I KNOW I've seen more movies than you, well at least good ones."

I'm thinking about submitting the script to a festival. That's actually why I was concerned. Do you guys know anything about that? It's probably alright to use real street names and landmarks in a script, right? I never thought there would be any problems but I just wanted to make sure after reading that book. The book is called "Unkindest Cut", by the way. Have any of you read it?

You want to film in the UK then ... you should clear things with the Police first but you can actually film anywhere you want as long as you don't cause an obstruction to others ...

Blocking off roads is a big no no without permission. Everything else (apart from not clearing the use of major corporate logos like major shops) is okay.

Richard Purves
Living Film
http://www.livingfilm.co.uk/