Filming at Burning Man?

VultureChow · Post by **VultureChow** » Tue Jul 14, 2015 9:28 am

It looks like someone is attempting to film a movie at Burning Man this year. Not a documentary, but a work of fiction. I've already reported it to IP and Press, so I won't link to it here. I'm trying to wean myself off of mass internet outrage.

But the interesting thing is they claim to have permission. I know that the org has allowed pictorial books and documentaries, but this strikes me as a major expansion of the press and IP rules. If they're telling the truth about the permit, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the Org starting to allow this. I know by attending we give permission for our art to be used by the Org or whomever they deem to give their permission to, but I'm not particularly interested in being an extra in someone's movie.

Kinda seems like a slippery slope.

Post by **trilobyte** » Tue Jul 14, 2015 9:41 am

I've seen and heard about it as well, and heard the claim that they have permission (but have not yet gotten any verification).

What I can say is that, whether documentary or work of fiction, the filmmakers would not only need Burning Man's permission, but they would need to obtain a release from each and every individual that appeared in each and every shot. My understanding is that Burning Man also typically also requires final review and approval before release, and checks to make sure that the filmmakers have releases for everyone that appears.

VultureChow · Post by **VultureChow** » Tue Jul 14, 2015 9:51 am

I understand the permissions and approvals, and I'm not so concerned about me personally being in the film (though should this go through, I'm tempted to paint "EXTRA" across my tits and stalk production).

We've seen it a thousand times. The event is a brilliant visual. Every year there are illegally filmed music videos and ads. It is so easy. Just bring your cameras, a few actors and boom, instant cinematography.

But the documentaries can at least be argued as having educational value. This? With Lionsgate attached? This feels different.

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Tue Jul 14, 2015 9:53 am

... and it's for profit! I'm wondering what the distance is between that horse and the barn by now.

Post by **trilobyte** » Tue Jul 14, 2015 9:56 am

They're claiming to have a studio attached? Sounds different from the indie student project I've seen posts about.

@Elorrum - at present you'd get a divide by zero error on the distance calculation, since we don't know that there's any truth to the individual's claim.

VultureChow · Post by **VultureChow** » Tue Jul 14, 2015 10:13 am

girl.JPG

Filmmakers:"We want to make a love story that takes place at Burning Man. But there's a twist: It's filmed AT Burning Man!"
Lionsgate: "This is an excuse to go to Burning Man [isn't it?]"

Post by **trilobyte** » Tue Jul 14, 2015 10:49 am

I've heard from the media team. This is a student project from Spain. Not attached to any film studio. They have permission to shoot, but as I posted before, they'd need to obtain permission from and get releases from anyone who appears.

The quote beneath the tag is from someone who works at Lions Gate, not a commercial endorsement or distribution deal.

VultureChow · Post by **VultureChow** » Tue Jul 14, 2015 10:53 am

Is this the first time someone's been given permission to shoot a non-documentary film at Burning Man?

Post by **trilobyte** » Tue Jul 14, 2015 11:00 am

I don't believe so - I think there was something in 2012 or 2013, but I'm pretty sure that project failed to come together. Trying to film a project of any kind on the playa tends to be a lot more challenging than most people think (just like building theme camps, art installations, mutant vehicles, etc).

Wigwam · Post by **Wigwam** » Tue Jul 14, 2015 11:23 am

This also seems to be quite risky as there are members of various performers unions on the playa. Most Union rules forbid you from performing or appearing in *any* project, student or not without express written consent and a waiver of union rules to appear in such project.

burner von braun · Post by **burner von braun** » Wed Jul 15, 2015 12:33 pm

maladroit · Post by **maladroit** » Wed Jul 15, 2015 12:44 pm

Mother. Of. God.

Simon of the Playa · Post by **Simon of the Playa** » Wed Jul 15, 2015 1:43 pm

it's all greek to me.

Post by **trilobyte** » Wed Jul 15, 2015 5:48 pm

@Wigwam... the risk in that scenario would be if a member of such a union were to both appear and also sign a release for such a project. Solution: if you're in a performers union with rules forbidding you to perform or appear in a project, then do not agree (and certainly don't sign any waivers) to be in another project. Regardless of whether it's a documentary or student film with a script... don't do something that could jeopardize your day job.

VultureChow · Post by **VultureChow** » Tue Aug 18, 2015 8:42 am

Another one?! https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hear ... orn#/story

Goddamn it. It's not a film set and we're not your extras!

Lonesomebri · Post by **Lonesomebri** » Tue Aug 18, 2015 9:28 am

I'm starting a fund-me to collect cash to make a film centered entirely on people filming at the Burn. Every frame a close-up focus on someone with a camera. There can be a scrolling text informing of what the films subjects are filming while they are being filmed. I'm not sure if this is art, a story that needs to be told, or my application to the local community art school.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Tue Aug 18, 2015 9:31 am

Sorry, it's been done.