Anyone who has paid any attention to recent events is aware of the multitudes of protests (peaceful and sometimes not so peaceful) taking place across the USA. I am not going to weigh in on the politics, but let’s talk about strategies for filmming these.
Your first step should be to contact and meet with the Media Relations Dept of your local PD. Check in with them, make an appointment. Discuss how to obtain valid PRESS CREDENTIALS and how best to signify that you are legitimate media during an event. What you wear during an event is extremely important — you do not want to appear as if you represent either point of view. Avoid being mistaken by either side as the opposition.
At your appointment, dress as professional as possible. Personally, I would wear something slightly patriotic (but very subtle), since we know that PD would most likely favor moderate-to-right points of view. But at least appear neutral. You are at their office to IMPRESS and EARN SPECIAL ACCESS. Not to debate.
Ask them what they recommend to wear during the event, for personal safety/comfort as well as immediate identification by PD as bona fide MEDIA (and not be mistaken for radical YouTubers). You can ask about protective gear, if any, that they might recommend. Gas masks, paintball vests, helmets. They might make some suggestions; remember that it is a fine line between JOURNALIST and ACTIVIST, and you do not want to come off as biased or threatening.
Ask about transportation suggestions. Where to park, how to approach, how to exfil if SHTF. Best way to ID yourself to any PD on the scene to get access, or to retreat to safety. Past experience is that two-wheeled transportation is better than a car or van; maybe park some distance from ground zero and then just bike or scooter in. But ask where you can stash your bike so it won’t get immediately stolen!
An excellent way to gain favor with the PD, Nat’l Guard, or Feds is to do a lot of taped interviews. Regardless of your personal point-of-view, make the interviewee feel like you are sympathetic to their side! The end point of these interviews is to make friends, not to acquire content supporting a political view. Play along, and nod agreeably. The goal, at this point, is not to gather content for a documentary, but to embed yourself so that LATER, you can shoot your documentary!
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