Taking a camera to the street !

[Medz0]

Hey all and thanks for reading this post ,
Me and a mate are thinking about going out and doing around a 20 - 30 min of clips of me out on the street ...
I mean my experience level I would say was at intermediate ( Doing magic before I joned E )
We have set up a youtube page and also a facebook group with allready over 90 members created around 3 days ago ..

A quotation from ben the "Poducer" May help with giving you a image of the quality of the video ...

"A good solid month of editing on both Sony Vegas 7 and Adobe after effects will be going in to create the video, we have a photographer in line and I have been working on several logos as a part of the GFX for the video. I have previously worked with Jake before on a first magic video so we know what lighting and angles are needed for quality footage, also being good friends we can work closely on the creation and production of the video to have a suitable outcome we are both proud of"

We currently have a trailer still in the editing but have posted on youtube, I can post the link so you can give your verdict on what you think .

I have performed street magic around 6 times to various people and have aloso had the chances of performing with large groups of 5 - 8 people surrounding me ...

This will be the first time out on the street with the camera and if the outcome is good will be making a few DVDs to see what they look like with the fully functioning menu screen etc .

The thing I need advice on will be the approach with the camera , Is it to ask do they mind or just get on with it ??

Thanks for taking the time to read this post

Jake .
http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?i...d=207217757442

[scarecrow1]

Sounds great! Hope it turns out well! If all goes well, put up the video in the members video section (forget what it's really called).

[Joker274]

The thing I need advice on will be the approach with the camera , Is it to ask do they mind or just get on with it ??

Thanks for taking the time to read this post

Jake .

Someone else would be better to answer this question but from what I know you must ask if you can film them aswell as include them in the dvd.

Btw, this sounds project sounds nice.
Good luck mate.

[Medz0]

Loking for a response from a member of E for this one but wanted to know if it were possible for us to use the E
logo towards the beginning of the Trailer / vid but not on the DVD ??
cheers

Jake.
http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?i...d=207217757442

[tehdispander]

The thing I need advice on will be the approach with the camera , Is it to ask do they mind or just get on with it ??

the best bet is to not say anything before you perform, this might ruin the presentation of the trick, just make sure it's clear you're approaching them with a camera, if they don't want to be filmed they'll walk straight past, once you've finished the trick and they are done being wowed, take that time to ask if they mind you using the video for whatever you want it for, make sure you keep filming at this point because then you will have a record of their answer, this will make it easier later on (when editing) to know which recordings you can use

hope that helps... Ross

[Medz0]

Thanks for the responses .....
Ill give it a go , and see the reactions I get .... Even so dont let this stop you from posting more advice !


This is a message from us to E , Would we be able to use the logo in the trailer or video on youtube but not include it in the actual DVD ?

jake.
http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?i...d=207217757442

[Xntrix]

Hi Jake,

Feels weird writing to someone with the same name as you... It's like a 'Dear Diary' or 'Things I must do today' letter... Who the heck would call their kid 'Diary'?... Anyway, I digress...

There's a few ways to approach people when performing with a camera in tow. You can walk up to a group (sans camera) show them something to gain their interest and establish yourself as a magician, then ask them if its ok to film the whole thing. You can then choose to walk away and reapproach them to go from there, however depending on your acting abilities this can often come off as artificial. Alternatively you can lose the approach and just start filming ready for your next effect with the same group.

You can choose to walk up to a group, shooting away and just perform for them. They'll note the presence of the camera, but will usually just go with it. However; at the end of the performance/when you finish shooting you MUST ask them for their permission to use their images, and have them sign a release to that end if you're using it on a Dvd. You can get release templates just by Googling for them.

You will find that interest will often be piqued just by standing in a public area and having a camera trained on you. You'll generally get alot of attention from teenagers and their ilk, and some may be bold enough to walk up and ask what you're doing. These people will usually 'subconsciously' over-react for the camera, which can be both a blessing and a curse. They will always be happy to let you use them in a Dvd, and will generally ask where/when they can get a copy themselves.

In regards to using the E-logo, it's use is doubtful if Ellusionist has no part/financial interest in the video. I'd suggest contacting them directly through eSupport where they can check with Legal and let you know.


Hope this helps! All the best,


JS.

[willtupper]

Jake,

I'm not sure how old you are, but one thing I would really make sure it to have some form of documentation, something the people you film will sign, saying that they are legally okay with you filming them.

The language in it is at times a little coarse, but one book I would definitely recommend is "$30 Film School," by the writer, Michael W. Dean. You can find it on Amazon for $19.80. I don't know the man (although we have, at times, travelled in some similiar social circles, and do know a few of the same people), and I don't much care for the direction he's taken politically lately, but when it comes to making movies / filming people on the cheap, he (and his book) are "the guy" when it comes to doing it, and doing right.

A big, honking thing (536 pages, but a very easy read - plus it comes with a killer DIY DVD), it might give a nice technical exoskeleton to your future filming adventures. And best of luck, for sure :).

[Virium]

I don't think any of us are legal experts in British law. You might want to consult some experts for the information you need.