sorry, a legal question

[blondandfun]

I know these are boring:

If I wanted to film construction activities hidden from view in a public space, could I use this for commercial purposes without the permission of the property owner? And If a truck loading steel beams into the site has a logo on their door would I also need their permission?

I'd like to film the Trump Tower as it is constructed here in Atlanta, and possibly use it to create an observational documentary of construction techniques and practice for building a skyscraper.

Is the act of construction in plain public view considered copyrighted somehow, and if the building itself is being constructed in plain public view, will this be ok for commercial purposes?

This will be documentary style

[veg]

In the UK you can film from a public space, or indeed your own 'private' space.
i.e Renting a room opposite the site you want to film.
You wouldn't need the expressive permission from the truck firm. If they have a logo on their truck then its presumably because they want it to be seen, rather like advertising on the side of a bus that may pass through your shot.
HOWEVER..It would be a common courtesy to blur out the logo if this company were nothing to do with the subject of your filming unless of course you're attracted to construction workers with club hammers paying you an occasional visit.
I'M NOT FROM ATLANTA AND YOU SHOULD CHECK WITH A LEGAL PERSON IN YOUR AREA
EDIT: Ah! You added more while I was replying.
I would contact the Architects and state your intentions. They may even sponsor you.

[Miskatonika]

Some locations, the city or the owners, do not like unauthorized filming.

I think they are afraid that they will be portrayed in a bad light, or that the footage could be used against them. For example, we wanted to shoot a scene at the train station, but you need a permit, pay a fee, and state the exact dates that you would like to film. They also wanted a copy of the script.

You don't want to start filming and get kicked out, or worse, make your film and then have them sue you for something.

[blondandfun]

LIke I said, this won't be on location, will be shot from outside the site. I'll just follow the golden rule and not say anything I wouldn't want said against me. I'm actually fearful of dealing with people who are working. If I were a contractor on-site I'd see a video guy only as a liability for safety and productivity, so I'm staying away from that and will be offsite. Although some interviews would have been quite nice.