Film Locations Glossary
Signage clearance
What is signage clearance?
Also called sign clearance.
Signage clearance is confirming that visible shopfronts, brand names, posters, and logos at a location can appear on screen, or arranging for them to be covered, removed, or replaced.
Recognizable marks in frame raise trademark and errors and omissions issues that surface at delivery, long after wrap. Practical locations in commercial districts generate the most of this work.
Example
A street scene has eleven visible shopfronts. Four are generic enough to leave, five are covered with dressed signage, one owner grants written permission, and one refuses, so the camera reframes to lose it.
Figures are illustrative, chosen to show the mechanics rather than to quote market rates.
Where you'll see it
Flagged by locations at scout stage so the art department can plan covers rather than improvise.
Common mistake
Leaving visible shopfronts to be dealt with on the day. Covering eleven frontages is an art department plan made in prep, not an improvisation at first light.
Related questions
- Do brand names have to be removed from shots?
- Not always. Incidental background appearances are often acceptable, but anything prominent, endorsing, or shown negatively is covered, replaced, or cleared in writing.
- Who handles signage on location?
- Locations flags it at scout stage and the art department covers or replaces it, with legal advising on anything borderline.