I want to start vlogging in public. I’m talking with others on vlogging group (videoblogging@yahoogroups.com) about being nervous leaving the backyard and venturing into public space.
Not satisfied with being nervous about taking the camera into public, I decided to skip that step and move right upto conducting my first interview… with a police officer.
Mike
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May 25th, 2006 at 7:52 pm - Edit
I’m not sure of the laws in Canada (typically way better than the states) but in the US It is perfectly legal to film a police officer performing their duty if you are not hindering them (too close).
That’s not to say that in some situations they just don’t care what the law says.
The “we have spokespeople for that” answer doesn’t make it illegal to use your footage, it was his “lack of consent” to be interviewed that would be the issue. You could have still filmed him doing his duty.. which would include him lieing to you about the legality of using you footage.
Always turn the camera on before approaching cops. Most cameras have a setting that turns off the little red indicator light that shows that the camera is on. .. Ya just never know what their going to do and you won’t get a second take. Hold the camera casually and they’ll asume it off.
If you use a hand held mic make yourself one of the square “I’m a reporter” boxes that usually go at the base of it. If not hang a Lamenated piece of paper around your neck indicating that you are PRESS (use your website for affilation or just make up some shit). It amazing how much a lamenated piece of paper around your neck will change the way you are treated by potential interviewees and makes it much less akward to approach people. If it looks official they’ll not want to look ignorant by question it .. maybe there’s a new local show.. could be public access… could be working on the premier show.. make sure there is some truth to the Pass because even though cops are alowed to lie to the public… the public is not allowed to lie to the cops.
Good luck.