So, I need to shoot in a convenience store..

[VHP]

So, I need to shoot in a convenience store... which is filled with all the brand names that a typical convenience store would have. I can try to turn cans/boxes sideways, greek items, keep things out of focus, but there is no way that I'm going to be able to fix everything. First because of time, second because I doubt the owner would like me messing with all of his stuff.

So.. my question is, what can I get away with and still be able to distribute the film without any legal issues?

[ClockworkNinja]

Ask the owner for permission before shooting, and avoid legal issues. You're better off getting rejected than getting charged with causing a disturbance.

[Lucky Hardwood]

I think that he meant about getting in trouble with the trademark holders of the common everyday items that are stocked in a stop and rob, such as Coke, Pepsi, Marlboro, etc.

My advise is to consult an entertainment or trademark attorney.

[MarkKnightRises]

You want distribution, mate, you gotta clear every single label. All of 'em. Can't miss a single one. That's why props dept takes the time to alter every single label of a product on a big set. Every single one. No exception. If I were you, I'd use a long lens. Shallow DOF. Keep all the printed matter blurry as hell.

[jax_rox]

Scout out the location beforehand and pick out exactly what you're going to have to see in the shots. Then get your Production Designer to come up with similar (but different) labels for them. Have him/her come up with new brand names and design labels to go over the top of what's going to be seen.

[DeJager]

Originally Posted by MarkKnightRises

You want distribution, mate, you gotta clear every single label. All of 'em. Can't miss a single one. That's why props dept takes the time to alter every single label of a product on a big set. Every single one. No exception. If I were you, I'd use a long lens. Shallow DOF. Keep all the printed matter blurry as hell.

That's actually incorrect. If you are shooting in a business space that is open to the public (no membership required) such as a grocery store or a convenience store you do NOT need permission to show the brands of the items on the shelves. However, you cannot single out a certain brand but if they are just on the shelf then you are fine.

[Gonzo_Entertainment]

Yes, grey area exists shooting in the "real world" where logos and such are everywhere, though they still may choose to sue you.

If he picks up an item, if he buys an item, if an item is prominent in the shot, etc... you cross out of grey area into "need permission".

[MarkKnightRises]

Originally Posted by DeJager

If you are shooting in a business space that is open to the public (no membership required) such as a grocery store or a convenience store you do NOT need permission to show the brands of the items on the shelves. However, you cannot single out a certain brand but if they are just on the shelf then you are fine.

Whether or not the law may seem to permit it, the distributor will want clearance or blurring. They cover their arses completely. That means you as a filmmaker can either blur it in production (by altering the letters a bit) or you can do in in post, which takes a lot of time and resources. But either way, if you want to sell your narrative stuff, you can't have uncleared material in your shot.

[mussonman]

do u have a camera that allows DOF?

[Blade_Jones]

I shot a scene in a liquor store once and had an attorney look at it. You don't have to blur anything out in the background. That would be insane.

[TheArtist]

DeJager just gave the solution.

Shoot it without emphasizing a label. If a poster or some big ad of a label is visible, take it down (or cover it in post). Try to keep it only to products.