What is British Law regarding filing in public?

Question

Am i allowed to film anywhere?

Am i allowed to film anyone?

Do i need permission to be there or to use the footage later?

Answer 1

I'm sorry but most people are in fact wrong.

on the face of it you can film in a public place, but if a police man or women feel that you are in any way distressing people they can ask you not to film or even arrest you for disturbing the peace.

we have now given the police so many powers since 9/11 that they can now arrest you for standing still in the street, you might think I'm joking but me and my friend was waiting in the street for a friend that had gone into a building in Manchester, we was not blocking the pavement or making any noise and a police man told us to move or he would arrest us

Answer 2

It's a free country, you can film anywhere that is public. You may be asked some nasty questions if you choose your location close to a sensitive area like a military base, prison etc.

And you can film anyone, but it must not constitute an infringement of their human right of privacy.

Using the footage depends on what you have filmed and how you intend to use it. Again, you can't publish film that would invade someones privacy unless it was in the public interest. And you cannot plagiarise. i.e. film someone elses work and sell the copy

Answer 3

You can file anywhere but I'd recommend an office ;)

You will need permission to film in private grounds/government buildings etc as far as i know

You will also need permission if you plan on showing peoples faces etc

Answer 4

You are allowed to film anyone who is in a public place or can be seen from a public place, providing you do not use the pictures to hold them up to ridicule.

The only restrictions are buildings which are covered under the Official Secrets Act, where photography is not allowed

Answer 5

Like most other people have said, you can film anywhere that is public property. Private property will need permission from the owner, even shop fronts may be unhappy being filmed so you should ask. It is worth noting that some parks are council owned, so they should really be asked first. Also, if you will be filming somewhere that will cause a disruption to the norm, you should inform the council/police first just to save any issues later.

As far as filming people is concerned, you can film anyone without their permission if they are not featured. Members of the public who wander past don't need asking. Anyone who speaks or plays a featured role in whatever you are filming should fill out an agreement form.

I hope that clears things up.

Answer 6

I think you can film anyone anywhere, if it's in a public place. but I'd be very carful filming children. But there again, you do have a looke of Gary!