A Very Bad Day at LexCorp?

Setting up a the LexCorp building for what is most likely the Police/Fire/SWAT extravaganza that was promised for today. Obviously the building is surrounded by emergency vehicles. The main building still seems intact, but the sentry box has taken a beating! It’s pretty clear that filming later today will most likely be at LexCorp and not loose on the streets of Pontiac.

Security (as ever) is tight. But Batfans, NO ONE ever has the right to take your camera or your memory cards, or even to ask you to delete any pictures you have taken. If you are on public property (that’s key), like a street, or sidewalk, you have every right to be there and to take pictures. Movie security guards have a tough job, but they have almost no actual power. If they touch you, harass you or threaten you in any way, be polite, but don’t let them intimidate you. Usually the best thing to do is to comply and move away, but if they get out of hand, don’t hesitate to tell them that you know your rights. I always carry a copy of “The Photographer’s Rights.” It explains your legal rights and gives advice on how to handle potential confrontation.

I get that studios want to keep some things under wraps, I really do. But there is a balance. And there is public opinion. The movie tax breaks given in Michigan encourages the movies to come here, and it does come out of our state budget, and thus our pockets. I wholeheartedly approve of this investment (obviously), but it doesn’t cost much for the studios to create a little good will, or at least not to foster bad will! Take George Clooney.. incredibly classy guy who was more than happy to play for the crowds when filming in Michigan. And Michael Bay, building the Transformers set in full view of the city of Detroit, allowing people to watch (from a safe distance), handing out stickers to kids, and even setting an afternoon when people could come and see the vehicles. Maybe take a tip, Mr Zack Snyder?