Using a residential property as a shoot location? CA laws? - GoFuckYourself.com

LBB · 01-10-2007, 12:14 PM

Hello,

I was searching the web trying to find any info on California laws concerning the use of my home, a residential property, as a shoot location. At most I am only semi-pro and usually have no more than one shoot per month. Most of what I shoot is non-nude/implied, but about 10% is Playboy style topless, and 10% Playboy style nude/artistic nude, and everything I shoot is posted on a public website (I have full releases from the models). All shoots are done indoors, blinds closed, so nothing is visible from outside.

I doubt there would be any problems with the non-nude/implied stuff, but could any legal issues arise concerning the topless/nude work? I'm mainly concerned about an ex-roommate trying to start some kind of drama by making false accusations. i.e. could he claim I'm shooting "porn"?

I know the easiest way to find out would be to pay a lawyer and ask, but I wanted to see if I could get some feedback her before spending any cash.

So far I've searched the boards here, yahoo, google, and the CA law database leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html without much luck.

Any feedback or referrals to lawyers in the So. Cal. area would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

LBB

DaddyHalbucks · 01-10-2007, 12:46 PM

You might be up against zoning issues. But I would think authorities would have to catch you in the act, or prove your pictures were authentic.

Best to consult a local lawyer.

DaddyHalbucks · 01-10-2007, 12:47 PM

I alway recommend attorney Charles Carreon who is licensed in OR and CA:

mediaesq.com

munki · 01-10-2007, 12:50 PM

If there's a problem outside of local city ordinance in CA, then I'd venture to say at least 50% of the companies here would be fucked and unable to produce content.

<-- not a lawyer, just my 2 cents.

Grapesoda · 01-10-2007, 01:58 PM

get liability ins if yer gonna have peeps in yer home

PenetratinP · 01-10-2007, 03:16 PM

Larry Walters @ www.FirstAmendment.com is a good man to ask.

good luck

TCAP · 01-10-2007, 03:28 PM

I've shot in private locations in LA a bunch of times. Houses and even apartments. As long as its indoors and private I don't see the problem, unless you have really nosy neighbors. Technically I'm pretty sure you're supposed to have premits, insurance etc, but when you don't have a big budget you do what you gotta do. Do it when your roommate is out of town.

BobG · 01-10-2007, 04:30 PM

In LA, unless your neighbors complain you're fine. If they do complain, the authorities will show up and tell you to stop and/or likely instruct you on how to get a permit. For your own piece of mind and to save in attourneys fees, just call the city and ask them.

bareskin · 01-10-2007, 04:36 PM

You can borrow my house in canyon Hills about an hour north of san diego

LBB · 01-11-2007, 03:29 PM

Thanks for all the helpful info, it definitely gave me some things to consider.

Thanks again!

LBB

01-10-2007, 12:14 PM	#1
LBB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3	Using a residential property as a shoot location? CA laws? Hello, I was searching the web trying to find any info on California laws concerning the use of my home, a residential property, as a shoot location. At most I am only semi-pro and usually have no more than one shoot per month. Most of what I shoot is non-nude/implied, but about 10% is Playboy style topless, and 10% Playboy style nude/artistic nude, and everything I shoot is posted on a public website (I have full releases from the models). All shoots are done indoors, blinds closed, so nothing is visible from outside. I doubt there would be any problems with the non-nude/implied stuff, but could any legal issues arise concerning the topless/nude work? I'm mainly concerned about an ex-roommate trying to start some kind of drama by making false accusations. i.e. could he claim I'm shooting "porn"? I know the easiest way to find out would be to pay a lawyer and ask, but I wanted to see if I could get some feedback her before spending any cash. So far I've searched the boards here, yahoo, google, and the CA law database leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html without much luck. Any feedback or referrals to lawyers in the So. Cal. area would be much appreciated. Thanks! LBB

01-10-2007, 12:46 PM	#2
DaddyHalbucks A freakin' legend! Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada USA Posts: 18,975	You might be up against zoning issues. But I would think authorities would have to catch you in the act, or prove your pictures were authentic. Best to consult a local lawyer. __________________ Boner Money

01-10-2007, 12:47 PM	#3
DaddyHalbucks A freakin' legend! Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada USA Posts: 18,975	I alway recommend attorney Charles Carreon who is licensed in OR and CA: mediaesq.com __________________ Boner Money

01-10-2007, 12:50 PM	#4
munki Do Fun Shit. Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OC Posts: 13,393	If there's a problem outside of local city ordinance in CA, then I'd venture to say at least 50% of the companies here would be fucked and unable to produce content. <-- not a lawyer, just my 2 cents. __________________ “I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.” -Oscar Wilde

01-10-2007, 04:36 PM	#9
bareskin Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pimpin in socal Posts: 619	You can borrow my house in canyon Hills about an hour north of san diego __________________ Globat.com hosting company has shitty customer service skills :: please be advised:: Icq# 394599740

01-10-2007, 01:58 PM	#5
Grapesoda So Fucking Banned Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Montana Posts: 46,238	get liability ins if yer gonna have peeps in yer home

01-10-2007, 03:16 PM	#6
PenetratinP Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 2,689	Larry Walters @ www.FirstAmendment.com is a good man to ask. good luck

01-10-2007, 03:28 PM	#7
TCAP Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 222	I've shot in private locations in LA a bunch of times. Houses and even apartments. As long as its indoors and private I don't see the problem, unless you have really nosy neighbors. Technically I'm pretty sure you're supposed to have premits, insurance etc, but when you don't have a big budget you do what you gotta do. Do it when your roommate is out of town.

01-10-2007, 04:30 PM	#8
BobG Confirmed User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 4,274	In LA, unless your neighbors complain you're fine. If they do complain, the authorities will show up and tell you to stop and/or likely instruct you on how to get a permit. For your own piece of mind and to save in attourneys fees, just call the city and ask them.

01-11-2007, 03:29 PM	#10
LBB Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3	Thanks for all the helpful info, it definitely gave me some things to consider. Thanks again! LBB