Always Say You’re a Student
When it comes to no budget independent film making, you will encounter flack from a lot of authority figures:
-Police
-Landlords
-Nosey neighbors
-Property owners
-Drunk Cubs enthusiasts
From years of dealing with these types, I’ve learned the best way to talk your way out of a tight spot is to claim your a film student at (local college, university, or art school). If you want to get ballsy you can say you’re an intern (or whatever) at the Sundance Institute. I did this for a bit, but people would ask a lot of follow up questions and assume I was famous.
I’m in Chicago, so my stand-by is grad student in the Columbia College film program. Art schools are especially nice because no one would expect you to produce a school ID.
Regardless of what school you pick, saying you’re a student creates the illusion that you’re well meaning (I’m sure you are, but most people see cameras and dudes and think you’re up to trouble) AND it’s an ironclad excuse for your lack of proper permissions and paper work.
“oh, really? I can’t film here? Oh, I had no idea. I’m sorry; I’m doing this thing for my film class at Columbia. I didn’t know I needed permission to shoot here. I thought it was cool. My bad. Is it ok if I stay just a few more minutes?”
Most of the time they’ll tell you to leave. Some might be cool with you finishing up as long as you don’t create a ruckus.
I’ve had equipment confiscated by security guards, tapes taken, and cops called on me before. None of which happened with the student excuse. Tell them you’re a student.
7. February 2010 at 14:41
Brilliant!
7. February 2010 at 16:20
I heard a story that during the summer a friend of a friend told the cops he was a Columbia student and the cops actually called Columbia and found no record of him. Since it was the summertime it was easier for the cops to narrow down the fake class name and call the school. He got fined $500.
I still go with saying I’m a film student, just now extra extra cautious. It’s a better option than to chance confiscated equipment and having to buy insurance & permits.
7. February 2010 at 16:55
Damn! I can’t believe the cops went through all that trouble. I’ve run into so many cops and security guards while filming. they all start talking a mean game, but usually it’s to scare you off. It seems like a waste of their time to deal with all that shit anyway. Was the $500 for the filming illegality or for lying?
Yeah man, I couldn’t even imagine what you’d have to do to get your confiscated equipment back. And who’s got the money to get insurance or permits?
7. February 2010 at 16:55
Ha! Thanks John.
8. February 2010 at 12:56
Yeah pretty ridiculous the cops spent their time trying to bust people making a movie. The $500 was for filming. I forget the details but apparently it was the minimum fine they could’ve gotten.
8. February 2010 at 22:24
Being female also helps deflect heat from the bobbies. If you’re nervous about cops cracking down on your faux-student status, just say you’re a girl. Works for me!
9. February 2010 at 06:31
Pretty slick!
9. February 2010 at 08:43
Devious fella!
Loved the latest clip featuring the daydream. What was the point of that? I find myself asking that question several times a day…
9. February 2010 at 12:00
some what unrelated: few moths back i was helping my buddy James (the dude who offers the gum in the latest MOI clip).
We were shooting in an alley and some old dude with a really big dog came up and said ‘you need a permit to film in Chicago’. We asked him to be cool, but he stormed off. 15 minutes later a cop showed up.
The cop said someone (i wonder who) called and said we were filming a porno! After 2 seconds of talking with us, the cop was like ‘yeah. what ever. you’re fine.’ and drove off.
Guess it all depends on how bored the cop is. Or how supportive he is of the Chicago indie gay porn scene.
9. February 2010 at 12:01
Hi Amy!
long time no hear from. Hope you are well. Glad you liked the clip. I’ve got some more good stuff coming!
Joe
11. February 2010 at 09:19
I eagerly await. And where’s that link to become an executive producer? I think I have $10 bucks with “Master of Inventions” plastered ALL over it!
11. February 2010 at 12:03
OH! Why thank you, Amy! I really appreciate it!
http://joeavella.chipin.com/master-of-inventions
15. February 2010 at 14:22
Arg! Now I’ve got to sign up for PayPal again… Give me a week to wrap my head around that.