Permits vs. Film Contest Eligibility

[dbrucks]

Here's the contest page, for a reference:

http://www.ifc.com/media-lab/assassi...ed-2/about.php

I have a short planned w/ 2 parts: part 1 is filmed in the Venice canals (ie all public property); part 2 is a chase scene, filming locations include a parking garage, Little Tokyo rooftops, and a sidewalk on Loyola Marymount property, with one shot that features a 10' X 30' wall mural that's on the side of a building (ie CLEARLY visible from the street).

My crew is me + 2, and only for the canals section is there a boom mic, no tripod anywhere.

My question regards permits related to ELIGIBILITY for the contest. The winning film will air on IFC so I guess it's about exhibition rights. I know I need written permission to film on the rooftops, since it's private property, but ASSUMING I get the shots I need -- without the release waivers -- could I still be ineligible?

There are no unique or identifiable features on any of these locations, with the exception of the giant walll mural (itself is a mural of the Venice canals).

Note: I mentioned crew size and tripod/boom use because I read somewhere that you ONLY need a permit to shoot on public property if you have a crew of 3 or more and you use a boom or tripod. Is this true?

Sorry for the length but I want to be clear -- I feel my film has an awesome shot and I want to make sure I'm eligible - thanks for any help!!

[CycleWriter]

This kind of thing does not belong in the technical subforums. Please post properly.

[1]

Note: I mentioned crew size and tripod/boom use because I read somewhere that you ONLY need a permit to shoot on public property if you have a crew of 3 or more and you use a boom or tripod. Is this true?

No, not in general.
Every municipality has their own rules, and just finding the right person to ask for permission can be difficult.
Some may have different rules if the crew is bigger than three, but you'll need permission regardless.
However, gaining permission to film is NOT the same as a property release; those are two separate items.

As with all these things, if you REALLY are serious about this, you should contact an attorney that specializes in this field.