Best Practices for Filming Public Events

• Your actions, attitude, and manners will be under scrutiny and you should act appropriately. Always comply with the law and don’t be rude or obnoxious—being polite gets you a lot farther.
• Don't misrepresent who you are or why you are there. Always tell the truth. Never state that you are an employee or agent of the Democratic National Committee or any campaign or that you are working on their behalf.
• Never talk to the speaker you are filming. Never ask him or her questions or get in their way.
• Don’t disrupt the event or disturb other attendees.
• Do not attempt to gain unauthorized access to or record events at private locations. However, if an event is being held in a in a public park, or other public location, you do not have to leave. However, if you are uncomfortable, you should absolutely leave. Even if you are at a public location, do not record any private conversations or comments. Only record the public statements of the speaker.

Tips for Taking Good Videos

• Ideally, the shot should include just the speaker’s body as much as possible.
• Try to make sure there are no obstacles blocking your shot.
• Try not to shake—a small tripod that sits on a table is only about 8 inches tall and can be very helpful.
• If individuals are talking loudly nearby, it’s best to move to a location where their voices will not block the speaker you are filming.