CCTV Film Making

Film makers are always coming up with new ways to expand their art. Recently several low budget films have been released created entirely with CCTV security camera footage.


Motives for this medium cover a wide range. Some out of necessity are simply finding a cheaper way to produce media that they otherwise could not afford to produce. The thought being why purchase expensive camera equipment when cameras are already out there setup and ready to film. Other film makers seek to make a statement about our society under constant surveillance. ‘Faceless’, a 60 minute film created entirely from CCTV security camera footage is about a woman in a faceless future society who develops a face. The films director and star, London based Manu Luksch, spent over five years collecting footage by request from CCTV operators to get enough material to create the narrated film.


How are these film makers accessing cameras? In one of two ways: hacking, and requesting. The Data Protection Act (DPA) states that individuals have a right to film which they are present on. Ms. Luksch sent out written requests to camera controllers for footage which she was present on. Camera controllers are obligated to post their contact info where cctv cameras are setup. Ms. Luksch has even written a Manifesto for CCTV Film Makers, stating the ethics cctv film makers must adhere to.


Another example of by permission film making is the seven minute long feature entitled, “The Duellists” which showcases pro athletes performing parkour stunts in a mall. In this case the director was given access to the malls security camera control room connected to 160 cameras and filming took place over three nights.


Others prefer the more immediate approach of hacking cameras or video sniffing. They capture footage using a simple 2.4 GHz wi-fi receiver and camera. Connect the two together and you can view any wi-fi signal in range. They simply wander around until stumbling upon a signal. Once a suitable signal and its source have been located they are then able to stage out their performance and collect the footage as it is transmitted. Most films of this nature protest social situations such as poverty, injustices, and video surveillance itself.


CCTV security cameras are everywhere, and As more people continue to explore this new art form we can expect to see more and more of these interesting films popping up on youtube and similar free media outlets.


About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and CCTV. For more information about security cameras, please visit www.security-cams.com.