Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need permission to video a rock band in a public area? 

This information is from ChatGPT and needs to be verified for accuracy with local authorities.

I used rock band as a generic description and it should apply to all music genres

1. Location (Public vs. Private Property):

• If the band is performing in a truly public space (like a city park, street corner, or plaza) where people generally have no reasonable expectation of privacy, you typically do not need permission just to record video.

• If it’s on private property (a club, venue, or even a park with event permits), the property owner or event organizer can set their own recording rules. Screentime Music will ask the venue management to sign relavent agreement and display notices to inform the audience that they are beying recorded and are consenting.

2. Use of the Video:

• Personal use / social media sharing: In many jurisdictions, casual recording for personal use is fine, though the band or organizer might still object if they have policies against it.

• Commercial use (e.g., selling footage, using it in advertising, monetized YouTube, documentaries): You would almost certainly need permission or a release from the band, since you’d be using their likeness, performance, and potentially copyrighted music. Screentime Music will ask you to sign relavent agreement.

3. Music Rights:
Even if the video is legally recorded, the music itself is copyrighted. Uploading it to platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram may trigger copyright claims or takedowns unless you have the rights to the music.  This is the responsibility of the performers/promoters, not Screentime Music and we request that you only use videos legally.

4. Local Laws:
Some cities or countries have stricter rules about filming performers in public spaces, especially if it can be considered “commercial filming.”

✅ In practice:

• For casual filming at a street performance, usually no one will stop you, but it’s good etiquette to ask the band if they’re okay with it.

• For professional or commercial use, yes—you’ll need permission from both the performers and possibly the event organizer.

Here in Nottingham / England more broadly, you may or may not need permission to video a rock band in public — it depends on how, where, and for what purpose. Here’s a breakdown of what I found, plus when you probably do need permission.

What I found from Nottingham-specific sources

1. Nottingham City Council – Filming in Nottingham
   Nottingham City Council has a process for productions/location shoots. If you need to formally shoot in the city (especially using public property, roads, or infrastructure), you can apply via their Filming Applications and Queries service. They require things like risk assessments and public liability insurance. (Nottingham City Council)

2. Police guidelines (Nottinghamshire Police)
   If filming involves special things (weapons, props, stunts, possibly anything that might cause alarm, or traffic control etc.), you may need police permission or at least to notify them. (Nottinghamshire Police)

3. Entertainment / Events Permits
   There’s a “Travelling Entertainers Permit” in Nottingham for entertainers advertising / performing temporarily. But note: That permit does not automatically allow for the event itself — you may need additional permits/permissions depending on the scale/location. (Nottingham City Council)

4. Event Booking
   If your video shoot is part of or similar to a public event in a park or public open space, the City Council has an Event Booking & Venue Hire Policy you’ll need to follow. For big events (with a crowd, road closures, etc.), this is relevant. (Nottingham City Council)
   
   

When you probably don’t need special permissions

• If it’s a small informal video (just you filming with a phone or small camera), in a public space (street, park) without blocking access, without staging, without commercial intent, you’re less likely to need formal permissions.

• If it’s for personal use or simple social media sharing, and you are not setting up barriers, lights, sound systems that interfere with traffic or people.
  
  

When you do need permissions

You will very likely need permissions if any of these apply:

• You plan to block off part of pavement or road, or interfere with foot or vehicle traffic.

• You're using large equipment (lighting, generators, rigs) or special setups.

• You plan to shoot in a public open space or facility managed by the Council (parks, squares), especially if you want exclusive access or to control the area.

• The performance is part of a ticketed event or on private property, or the band themselves own the rights and want compensation for filming/licensing their performance.

• If it’s for commercial use (broadcast, paid sponsorship, monetised content).

• If the filming could affect public safety or cause nuisance.

What “permission” might mean locally

• Applying to Nottingham City Council Filming in Nottingham platform. (Nottingham City Council)

• Notifying or seeking consent from Nottinghamshire Police under appropriate circumstances. (Nottinghamshire Police)

• Getting any entertainment/licence permits if required (like the “Travelling Entertainers Permit” if relevant) (Nottingham City Council)

• Ensuring public liability insurance, risk assessments, etc. are in place. (Nottingham City Council)

If I record bands on video who perform cover versions, do I need a prs licence

Good question — it’s a bit of a grey area depending on what you do with the videos. Here’s the breakdown for the UK (since you mentioned Nottingham earlier):

1. Filming the Band

• You don’t need a PRS licence just to film a band performing, even if they’re playing cover versions.

• What matters is what you do with the recording afterwards.

2. Live Performance in the Venue

• The venue itself is normally responsible for having a PRS for Music licence (and a PPL licence) to cover live performances and the public playing of copyrighted music.

• That licence allows the band to perform cover songs legally in front of an audience.
  
  

3. Distributing / Uploading the Video

• Once you record and publish the video (YouTube, Facebook, your own site, etc.), you’re creating a new "communication to the public".

• That does require clearance of the underlying copyright in the songs.

• On platforms like YouTube, PRS has blanket licensing deals — so YouTube’s system (Content ID) usually handles that side. The copyright holders might claim ad revenue, mute, or block the video.

• If you host the video yourself (not on YouTube/Facebook/Instagram etc.), then you’d personally need a licence from PRS (and usually MCPS too, since it’s a recording of a copyrighted work).

4. Who is Responsible

• Bands are responsible for making sure their performance is legal (the venue covers live use).

• You, as the person publishing the video, are responsible for the use of the song in that video.

• If you upload to YouTube or Facebook, the platform’s blanket licences usually cover you, but you have to accept claims (e.g. no monetisation for you).

• If you sell the videos, distribute on DVD, or put them on your own site without a platform licence, then you’d need to obtain a mechanical and sync licence.

👉 So short answer:

• Recording? No PRS licence needed.

• Uploading to YouTube/Facebook? You don’t need your own PRS licence, but you’ll face copyright claims through Content ID.

• Hosting/selling yourself? Yes, you’d need to sort PRS/MCPS licensing directly.

Do you plan to mainly put these videos on YouTube/social media, or do you want to sell or host them yourself? That changes whether you personally need to get a licence.