Movie filming/local by-laws

[joxville]

There was a report on my local news about a movie version of Les Miserables being filmed in Winchester, Hampshire, during which I noticed a sign next to the reporter informing members of the public that the street would be closed to traffic and pedestrians for a length of time. What I'm wondering is, is there a by-law I could be breaking if I were to attempt to walk along the street as they attempted to film? Am I not legally entitled to walk there at any time as long as I am not causing offence or disturbance?

[Zeuhl]

The council can restrict pedestrian access, car access parking, trading etc as they wish for a variety of reasons.

Just as they can take money from people for privileged access for trading or events.

Indeed, they may be charging the film company for the filming just as they might rent out the town square for a ticketed concert. Or there may be other financial benefits to the borough from the filming.

Similarly, if people were paying £100 a head to attend a concert we probably wouldn't expect to be able to claim right of way at the front of the stage while it was on.

[jno]

councils can get quite a bit of money for filming rights, which will go straight into their pock... er, will go towards reducing your council tax. So it may be worth it.

[joxville]

Thanks both. I wish I were rich enough to be able to afford legal representation just to test out my idea. :-)

[SemperFi]

You are only allowed access if you live along that road, for access to your property as I understand it. In practice even then you would not be able to drive along it.

The council are entitled to close off access, and they will have been paid by the film company, and even will have removed some street furniture such as street lights or signs.

Most of the filming has been happening in areas which you would not be able to see, eg inside private areas such as Winchester College.

If you go along with the attitude "its my right" then you will find a number of burly security guards stopping you.

If you are respectful, and walk as close as you can to the closed off areas you may see a few extras wandering around in costume etc. The marshals / security guards understand that people are curious and would like to take a look, and are nice and helpful in letting you know what is going on, whether there is somewhere you can stand where you may be able to see something going on.

So, in short, be polite and respectful, and you will get a lot further in seeing what is going on.

Last night one of the extras in french uniform was allowing people watching from behind a barrier to try on his hat.