Why Student Films Tend to Feature Beach Scenes: Is It True That Filming in Non-Private Spaces Requires Permission?

Can You Use Footage of Buildings You’ve Filmed?

As people often say, creating cinematic works has become remarkably accessible. It’s hard to imagine now, but the ability for everyday individuals to record “video” content has only become widespread in recent years. Before that, photography with film cameras was the norm, and capturing moving images of oneself was reserved for a select few.

The rise of affordable household video cameras and the explosive adoption of smartphones drastically lowered the barriers to video creation. From a physical standpoint, filmmaking has indeed become far more approachable.

However, strictly speaking, filming is not entirely hassle-free. The major restrictions are:

• You cannot film people without permission.
• You cannot film in certain places without authorization.

These laws are complex, subject to interpretation, and often unclear until a ruling is made in court. For individuals, unauthorized filming of people infringes on portrait rights. Similarly, buildings may have rights that restrict filming, although “background usage” is typically permissible in a gray-zone interpretation.

Even in locations marked as “filmable,” it’s common to find rules stating that commercial use is prohibited. Ambiguity arises when defining “commercial use” and deciding whether footage can be legally published. Posting captured footage on a personal blog or uploading it to YouTube may seem fine, but what if the platform generates ad revenue?

Such gray areas often steer filmmakers toward safe options like filming in private interiors or sparsely populated beaches, reducing the risk of capturing unwanted elements. As a result, student films often feature scenes in predictable locations, leading to limited visual diversity.

If you’re interested in learning more, I recommend the book “Do Not Film: Rules and Manners Everyone Should Know in the Smartphone Era.”

Solving Challenges with Special Effects

While private rooms or isolated beaches are effective, relying solely on these “safe filming locations” limits creative possibilities, especially for low-budget films that lack large-scale sets.

My unconventional solution involves using special effects. Instead of constructing elaborate filming sets, I create miniature diorama models, merging actors into these scaled-down scenes. The success of this method depends on precise green-screen filming and compositing techniques honed through trial and error.

Miniatures themselves offer inherent charm. Their intricate details captivate viewers much like popular diorama models, dollhouses, or Sylvanian Families sets. Utilizing miniature sets can create ideal visuals for low-budget projects while preserving costs for future productions. For example, a miniature “retro publishing office” for a Showa-style film can be crafted to match the creator’s vision—a challenge with real locations.

It’s crucial to downplay that the footage employs miniatures or composited scenes. Revealing such secrets after viewing can add intrigue to the film. By embracing techniques rarely permissible in mainstream filmmaking, low-budget films can establish unique styles.