To conduct a legitimate location-based photo shoot or film, obtaining a location shooting permit is essential, especially in public areas or for commercial projects. The process involves contacting the appropriate agency, filling out forms, paying fees, and ensuring all requirements are met to receive the final signed permit. Carrying this permit is crucial to avoid legal issues during the shoot.

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Videography or photography is something you crave for? Then, you may also like to go
to different places to shoot. But, has someone ever stopped you from shooting at a certain
place? Or asked you to take permission before shooting? Here’s something you should
know about making your location-based photo shoot or filmmaking “legit” in terms of
being within the law and being “professional” is obtaining a shooting permit.
A location shooting permit is a legal document that allows you to shoot at different public
places. The process can be a little terrifying for the new bees, but once you are familiar, it
becomes easy as different agencies have the same policy from location to location.
1. A permit is necessary when:
 If you are just casually moving around with your camera for fun and some random
captures, you don’t need a permit. But, if you are shooting in public places or

2. something that will have an impact on others that is the time when you will need to
get in legality.
 Is this a commercial shoot? Are the people or traffic around getting disturbed because
of your shoot? Are you using any equipment that is restricted in that area? Are you
making any changes to the area for shooting purpose? If the answer to all these
questions is ‘Yes’ then you are in need for the ‘Permit’.
2. Who is the in charge?
 If you are an organization with a producer or location scout than they will look into
such situations and get it done.
 If you are an organization without any particular source for it, you yourself need to
get it done.
3. How to get into action?
 Start with finding out the nearest agencies and photographers, who have gone
through such situations for reference.
 Pick up a copy of the local “production index” for the city in which you are shooting.
 Eventually, the goal is to find the Government agency websites that give you permit
to shoot on the location you wish for.
 Most of the information regarding the process is available on the website. If not, you
can at least get the information of the person who can get you into action.
4. Applying for the permit:
 Contact the agency, let them know that you have found the online forms, which
location you want to shoot for, tell them about all equipment you are going to use for
shooting, or if there are changes you want to make. Ask questions if you have any.
 Give the agency some time to undergo through the procedure as the time management
depends on the location and its authorities. Also, it varies from agency to agency.

3.  Read the fine print carefully without getting threaten as there might be some hidden
information within.
 Complete the form.
 Submit your form and keep a check that everything is under process.
 Pay the agency fees or the damage deposits.
 Get your certificate of insurance, as this protects you if someone gets hurt or
anything is damaged.
 Fulfil all the additional and necessary requirements.
 Ensure that you have the ‘Final signed permit’. Carry this permit every time you
shoot as this is very important and only proof that you have rights for shooting at a
certain place.
Whenever you have a plan for an outdoor shooting for your organization make sure you
have “The legal permit” with you. So, that if someone questions you, you have an answer
to all those questions with that permit. ‘Better be safe with the permit than late with the
legal issues.’
We are from The Jigsaw. If you want to make a great corporate video then do contact us.