Hello guys. I want to film outside in a public place for a chase scene. Must I get a permit to film it? I really don't want to go through the long process of getting a permit when in reality the scene will only take about 15 minutes to shoot (including reshoots).. also what is the best way to get the audio quality you want outside. I plan to film on a non-windy day and I want the dialouge but I want the sound of traffic too.. would a boom mike help>

THanks!


Justin
Take a Look Productions

Id say dont worry about the permit. It will most liley require a large insurance policy. If Police or others ask just play the "Im just a dumb film student" card and be very respectful and you should be fine.

As to sound... dont worry about the traffic. Get good dialouge from your actors and make sure you get a soli minute and a half of ambient sound. (Have everyone stand quietly as you just roll sound and record whatever noise is coming from the surrounding local). you can use this as a sound bed to even out between cuts. I would say try and get as little background noise as possible with your actors and "create" the sound with your ambient track.
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

First of all, permits are very easy to get, and you should get one. The film student thing doesn't work. I've been fined on at least two occasions (one of which was over $300) for shooting in Boston without a permit. They're easy to get and they're important. Get one.

As for your audio, I'm gonna disagree with Tizzy once more. The (loud) ambient sound of traffic in the background could really screw up your dialogue, even if you have a unidirectional. Not to mention, if you have to adjust the levels of the dialogue in post, that ambient sound will go with it. My suggestion is to get your ambient sound separately (just let the audio roll for a few minutes - enough so that you can loop it if need be), and record your dialogue in post ADR. It's bad to have background noise with dialogue recording, no matter what anyone says. Recording each one separate gives you the most control over your sound.

Although these may not be the easiest routes to take, they depend less on luck and "hoping for the best" than what Tizzy said.

_________________________
JSW Films

Wow, I guess moderators don't think alike after all...

"I guess Dan Gross was right" -Hill Dawson Kane

I must have come across wrong JW. I was saying EXACTLY what you said. I meant "Dont worry about traffic" as in "Dont worry about getting that noise mixed with your actors" not dont worry about how it will mess with your sound, because it will. Record ambient with NO ONE SPEAKING. Try and get clean dialouge (IE: No background noise) and then in post let your ambient be your sound bed. (IE: on a seperate audio track lay your ambient and create a consitent sound level that does not overpower the dialouge) The reality is it is VERY difficult to do realistic ADR for indie folks (Heck Hollywood does some garbage ADR themselves and they ahve all the bells and whistles) If it comes down to it, ADR but try and get as clean a dialouge as possible on location.

As to permits... your choice really. I used to get them all the time but that was becvause I was covered by insurance through my school. Many film commisions wont let you get them without it but it is always good to have a dialouge with your local commission regardless so give it a whirl.

Im guessing Boston is alot different then New Tripoli, PA but I have shot on the Island of Palm Beach (where they pull you over if your car does not look like it belongs and direct you where the nearest bridge to get off their island is) and while the Police certainly did stop with a "What the hell do you think your doing" attitude some well placed respect and enthusiasim had them suggesting other places to shoot.

Heck even Brett Ratner who needed a shot for "The Family Man" of the ferrari getting off the interstate set up with two grips and startd shooting outside NY. The cops stoped and he told them he was a film student shooting a short. They told him to just stay off the road and hurry up.

The big thing is this a chase on foot or by car? If in cars there are some SERIOUS issues and I would seriously consider changing the scene as it can be very dangerous. If on foot, dont make alot of noise, dont wave guns around, dont do it where there is alot of pedestrian traffic that might get hurt, and you should be ok. In and out. Shoot fast and go.
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

quote:

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Originally posted by Dan Gross:
Wow, I guess moderators don't think alike after all...

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LOL Your just getting that now?? Actually that is a good thing. How boring would this place be if everyone had exactly the sam opinion?
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

Thanks guys for your help.. there arent really any police in New Tripoli and if there were I do not think they would care. I AM doing an "in and out" quick shoot. The chase is on foot, not in a car. My vision is to do it near by an intersection but far enough away to ensure safety of everyone... The shot is not dangerous but I want to stay away from main traffic for the safety of my actors and crew..

once again thanks for the help


Justin
Take a Look Productions