filming sex in apartment a legal issue?
 

I see talk of it being illegal without a special permit to film in houses or apartments and that's why you see a lot of films at hotel rooms. Do you know the legal side? I would prefer it to be for Boston but any comments are appreciated. edit: yet I see ninaknowsbest from New York I think.. filming in her apartment along with live webcams.

Perhaps it varies per state?

I have no idea, but it would be very strange if it's true!
But then again, you need licences for almost everything these days...

Yes I would say.

Hmm I wouldnt mind knowing this aswell. Any Canadian content producers out there have an answer?

In Toronto there are no specific bylaws prohibiting filming on private property.

Lots of peripheral bylaws, like running a business, can be used to harass you. The key is to be *low key*, and ideally have a non-porn cover.

Theoretically, you need a permit for filming on the street or on public property, but this is hardly ever enforced. It is more to control production that disrupts the neighbourhood.

:rasta

Start filming and then if yuo have problems just say that you have recently moved there...:winkwink:

Samuel

i agree forst of all you need 'a permit before to start filming stuff

Probably a zoning thing. isn't that why Photo Gregg had to move a while back?

That would be a local law... Be carefull if your going to shoot "point of view" content... They may get you for prostitution! Talk to an attorney... Don't reley on this board for legal advice... Because while your in jail, people on this board will still be posting "I'd Hit It"

Good Luck,
Denny

:thumbsup

In America, in the end, it comes down to community standards and how many stray cats can be found.

The more cats, the more liberal the standard will be.

Definitely talk to an attorney. I made a mistake and asked the zoning department of Sacramento if it was ok, and they freaked out on me. They literally want to zone you, and rape you for everything you're worth. They even told me I needed to be zoned for "photography". What a load of BS.

If you're going to do it, do NOT tell the city that you're an adult business or it will raise all kinds of attention you don't need. :2 cents:

Just be careful. We had a problem with that 5 years ago. It's called Assignation (keeping a home where lovers do an unlawful act) . Make sure youre aware of the laws in your state and city.

Not everybody wants porn next door

what happens next door should be none of their business.

Damn, definately more issues than I was originally hoping.


Steffie, where was it that you had the assignation issue if you dont mind me asking?

Thats sad but true, find yourself a real attorney...

Good points thanks everyone!

In Florida it varies from county to county. Some require you to have an occupational license or business license to run a business or conduct any business out of your house/apartment.

There is no Federal law that covers this. The laws very state to state. Georgia here is a permit free state, but there are some local cities that do require permits.

For those of you going to Seattle, here are the requirements for Seattle:

Seattle Requirements For Filming

INSURANCE COVERAGE

1. In order to obtain a City permit, please make sure your insurance contains the following coverage and language.

a. The City of Seattle shall be named as additional insured under policy with respect to permits issued by the City.

b. The City of Seattle shall be given 20 days notice of any change, cancellation, expiration or renewal of the policy.

2. "Accord" insurance forms must have cancellation terms changed to read: "Should any of the above described policies be canceled or reduced as to coverage before the expiration date thereof, the issuing company will mail 20 days written notice to the named certificate holder/City of Seattle as an additional insured (bottom right hand corner.)

3. Insurance coverage needed:

a. General Liability: $1 million Bodily Injury and Property Damage combined.

b. Automobile Liability: $1 million Bodily Injury and Property Damage combined.

c. Use of explosives: $2 million Bodily Injury and Property Damage combined.

Only one certificate of insurance is required by the City for your filming operation, as opposed to one for Engineering, one for the Police Department, one for Parks, etc.

You may keep your insurance coverage on file for one year, for any future projects.

$500 / $1000 DAMAGE DEPOSIT

The purpose of the refundable deposit is to cover damage you may do to City facilities - fire hydrants, signals, broken sidewalks, parking strips or lawns. Upon completion of your work call the Film Office to request that your deposit be returned. The City Film Coordinator will inspect the film site(s) and check the status of any outstanding bills. Productions shall be responsible for restoration of the public places used under the master film permit.


You may leave your damage deposit on file for future use. Please notify Shannon Kelleher at 684-8504.

Exemptions

COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION

The City is happy to have you filming in Seattle and we want the residents to feel the same way. We receive the most complaints, especially the ones that go to the Mayor's Office and City Council, because residents feel they have not been given adequate notice, or the notice does not accurately reflect what will happen.


Please follow the procedures outlined below when notifying people and businesses in the area of filming activity.

a. All adjacent properties shall be notified a minimum of 2 days prior to filming.

b. Distribute notification in an area not less than one block in all directions from the area where you will be filming.

c. A sample notification form will be provided. If you prefer to make your own, be sure it contains all the information that is supplied on the sample form.

d. Call the Neighborhood Service Center coordinator in the area where you will be filming. They know the area better than anyone and need to know what is going on. They can also be very helpful if you need information about an area.

e. Failure to properly notify residents or to make reasonable accommodations to mitigate your impact on a neighborhood or business district may result in cancellation of your permit.

check with the city to see zoning rights on where you can shoot and not shoot

Jarrod, are you talking about using you apartment for a one time video shoot, running a video business from there, or using it as a photo studio?

Never heard of that before...

haha, so true

WTF?? No way..

I, Second that one

"An unconstitutional act is not a law; it confers no rights; it imposes no duties; it affords no protection; it creates no office; it is in legal contemplation, as inoperative as though it had never been passed." Norton v. Shelby County, 118 US 425 (1885)

Remember, Studio qualified his statement with the word "may". There have been some guys trying to used the "making of porn" loophole as way to pay for sex and got busted.

The best advice for given above "Don't use a forum for legal advice".

Umm film permits?

"Honest officer, I`m not filming porno or any other kind of movie. These are my home movies and thats my family getting together for a holiday. And yes we do always celebrate our relgious days by putting 2 dicks in my Aunts ass. "

Pain in the ass