Olde English has made a video to protest the new filming rules proposed in NYC. The new rules drafted by the New York Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting would require a permit and proof of liability insurance for any type of filming or photography involving two or more people at a single site for 30 minutes or more. The rules would also apply to five or more people using a tripod for more than 10 minutes. This basically means that if you don’t have a million dollars for insurance, you can’t film in New York. Watch out videobloggers and even tourists!
Picture New York is gathering names on an online petition which they will deliver to the Mayor’s office on August 3 (TOMMORROW) to protest the new rules. Excerpt:
The right to photograph in public space is established by the First Amendment, which states that, “Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble.” These rights are not the City’s possession to take away, or to restrict to the point where such free expression is rendered impossible. The impact on public space of the types of activities you propose to regulate are so minimal that requiring permits is an undue burden towards exercising First Amendment rights. Furthermore, one cannot regulate an art form or activity by negating its very premise. The proposed rules, in refusing to recognize the spontaneity that is at the core of street-based filmmaking and photography, are untenable for that reason alone.
I’m not sure my signature will count for much since I’m not a New York resident but if these rules go through, it could set a really bad precedent for indie filmmakers everywhere. So spread the word! Quickly!
Update (8/4/07): NYC has backed down in the face of mounting pressure from the public and the American Civil Liberties Union and agreed to “redraft” the rules. So that’s great news! So far…
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wow that sucks. i hope it doesn’t go through. keep us posted.
I heard about this from someone else and even though I am in Chicago I signed it anyway. I swear America is going to become some prudish place with no art and just a bunch of fear mongers. By the way glad your trip was safe and I look forward to more videos.