SEX DRUGS ROCK and ROLL NUDITY BRITNEY SPEARS PARIS HILTON NICK LACHEY

OK now that I got your attention, I need your signature. Really, if you want Confessions of a Paparazzi to continue, and you want me to give you tips on how you can see a celebrity in NYC or even in your neighborhood, and especially if you want to continue to shoot in NYC, whether with your friends, photographing buildings, waiting at stage doors, or seeing your favorite celebrity at the Today Show or Good Morning America, then you need to sign this petition in ensuring the rights of freelance photographers, tourist or just about anyone with a camera or video capabilities: NYC might demand permits for filming By DAVID B. CARUSO, Associated Press WriterWed Aug 1, 8:35 AM ET Civil liberties advocates are gearing up for a potential court fight over proposed rules that would force filmmakers and photographers to get permits and $1 million insurance policies to film or take pictures in one of the world's most photographed cities. New regulations drafted by the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting would require a permit for any type of filming or photography that involved "an interaction among two or more people at a single site for 30 or more minutes." Permits would also be required for five or more people using a tripod for more than 10 minutes. The rules would be nothing new for professional crews that film regularly in the city; they have long been required to get a permit and insurance to block off streets and sidewalks. But critics say the proposed rules would affect a new class of shooters: fashion and wedding photographers, independent journalists doing street interviews, and amateurs making videos to post online.

The New York Civil Liberties Union is prepared to take action against the regulations in court if they're enacted without revision, said one of the organization's lawyers, Christopher Dunn. "There is no way that they should be requiring permits for people using handheld cameras," Dunn said. "It would give the police license to stop virtually anyone, and that opens the door to harassment." Documentary filmmaker Jennifer Livingston called the proposal "draconian," and a betrayal of the city's long history of nurturing budding talent. "Think of that young artist who is going to be hurried along by some cop, who has no choice but to follow regulations," she said. (Quinn the Cop that guards the Letterman Stage Door on 54th Street)"I would hate to see film students thinking that any time they make an image, it has to be sanctioned by the government." City officials insist the rules aren't an attempt to quash free speech. People unable to afford liability insurance, which could cost between $500 and $1,000 for even the smallest of photo shoots, could apply to the city for a waiver. (Eric McCormack leaves the Stage Door at the Lorell after appearing in a play) Journalists with a press pass issued by the police department would be exempt. So would anyone using handheld equipment to film a parade, rally or political demonstration. Julianne Cho, associate commissioner of the film office, said the city's only intention was to help filmmakers get safe access to great locations, while ensuring that production didn't obstruct traffic or interfere with New Yorkers' lives. The city is accepting public comment on the proposed rules until Friday and could still make changes.

http://www.pictureny.org/petition/index.php