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NYC Threatens First Amendment & Filmmaking

Friends,

Please join us this Thursday, July 19th for a brainstorm and planning session to coordinate a creative response to proposed regulations by the Mayor’s Office of Theater, Film, and Broadcasting.

Introduced quietly just before Memorial Day weekend, the regulations could severely impede the ability of even casual photographers and filmmakers to operate in New York City. A group of two or more people who want to use a camera in a single public location for more than a half hour (including setup and breakdown time) could be required to get a city permit and $1 million in liability insurance. According to the NY Civil Liberties Union, “these regulations violate the First Amendment right to photograph in public places, and open the door to selective and discriminatory enforcement.” See links for more information below.

This Thursday members of the film/photography/activist/etc communities will come together to brainstorm ideas for creative actions to take place before the close of the public comment period on August 3rd. Beers, beverages, snacks encouraged.

On Sunday, arts organization Not An Alternative will host a day of props production to produce visuals for a demonstration against the regulations.

Hope to see you there.

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Thursday, July 19, 7pm – 9pm

Brainstorm and Planning Session

Sunday, July 21, 1pm-6pm

Props Production and Art-Making

WHERE:

The Change You Want To See Gallery and Convergence Stage
http://www.thechangeyouwanttosee.org
84 Havemeyer St., at Metropolitan Ave
Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11211
Directions: http://www.hopstop.com
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SAVE THE DATE:
Friday, July 27th, 6:30 pm
Rally for the 1st Amendment
Union Square

People are invited to turn out to make a statement about New York City's laws and regulations regarding filming, shouting, biking, parading, and dancing.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Original NYTimes article: http://tinyurl.com/2scoog

PDF of the proposed changes: http://www.nyclu.org/nyc_photo_permits_pr_062807.html