Shooting on/near Streets and Roadways

Public Roadways Are High-Risk Locations

Filming on or near streets presents unique hazards that require careful planning, proper permits, and strict safety procedures. Moving vehicles, distracted drivers, pedestrians, bicycles, emergency vehicles, and changing traffic conditions create risks that cannot be controlled without proper authorization.

No shot is worth placing cast, crew, or the public in danger. Whenever a production involves a public roadway, safety must take priority over convenience.

Permits Are Required

Filming on or near public streets, sidewalks, highways, roads, intersections, alleys, bridges, or other public rights-of-way generally requires permits and approval from the appropriate government agencies. Depending on the location and scope of filming, this may also require:

• Police officers
• Traffic control personnel
• Parking permits
• Road closures
• Public notifications
• Safety plans
• Insurance certificates

Always consult Production Services before planning any filming involving public roadways.

Never Control Traffic Yourself

Filmmakers are never authorized to control public vehicular traffic. Production Assistants, Assistant Directors, Producers, Directors, or any other crew members may not stop, direct, or slow traffic on public streets. Only authorized law enforcement officers or approved traffic control personnel may direct public traffic.

Likewise, do not attempt to stop pedestrians from using public sidewalks or crosswalks. Politely inform members of the public that filming is taking place, but never physically block, direct, or pressure them to alter their path.

Stay Out of the Roadway

Unless a roadway has been legally closed and secured for filming, cast and crew should remain outside active traffic lanes. Never step into traffic to:

• Stop vehicles
• Hold for a shot
• Retrieve equipment
• Give directions
• Capture “just one quick take”

Traffic conditions can change instantly, and drivers may not see crew members until it is too late.

Working Near Traffic

Even when filming from sidewalks or private property adjacent to a roadway, remain aware of passing vehicles. Consider:

• Camera positions
• Trip hazards created by cables
• Lighting stands near traffic
• Distracted drivers
• Bicycle lanes
• Emergency vehicle access
• Safe loading and unloading of equipment

Whenever possible, establish a clearly defined safe work area away from moving traffic.

Production Vehicles

Only qualified and authorized drivers should operate production vehicles. Use spotters whenever vehicles are backing up or maneuvering in tight spaces. Never allow crew members to ride in truck beds, on trailers, or on equipment that is not designed for passengers. Seat belts should always be worn.

Parking and Loading

Whenever possible:

• Load equipment from the curb side rather than the traffic side.
• Avoid unloading directly into moving traffic.
• Keep carts, cases, and equipment clear of sidewalks and emergency access routes.
• Use traffic cones or warning devices when appropriate and legally permitted.

Plan Before You Shoot

Roadway safety begins long before production day. During location scouting, identify:

• Traffic volume
• Speed limits
• Parking availability
• Safe equipment staging areas
• Emergency vehicle access
• Pedestrian activity
• Bicycle traffic
• Blind corners
• Lighting conditions after dark

If the location cannot be used safely, find another location. Creative solutions are always preferable to unnecessary risk.

Final Thoughts

Roadways are among the most dangerous locations where film productions operate. Professional productions rely on permits, trained personnel, careful planning, and strict safety procedures to protect both their crews and the public.

If filming near a roadway cannot be done safely and legally, it should not be done at all. The best filmmakers are remembered not only for the images they create, but for bringing everyone home safely at the end of the day.

A Real-World Reminder

The following incident illustrates exactly why student productions must never attempt to control public traffic.

In 2006, Los Angeles film student Jonathan Rosen was critically injured while attempting to stop traffic during a student film shoot in Littlerock, California. According to news reports, the production did not have the required filming permits. Rosen stepped into Palmdale Boulevard in an effort to stop traffic for a shot and was struck by a dump truck.

He suffered a broken leg, pelvis, foot, and internal injuries.

This tragedy serves as a reminder that filmmakers are never authorized to stop, direct, or interfere with public traffic. No Production Assistant, Assistant Director, Producer, Director, or crew member may control vehicles or pedestrians on public streets. Only authorized law enforcement officers or approved traffic control personnel may perform these duties.

The lesson is simple:

– Never assume drivers see you.

– Never assume traffic will stop.

– Never assume “it will only take a second.”

No shot is ever worth risking a life.