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.

I think it would be humorous if fifty or sixty videographers converged on a single location, set up their tripods, and began filming. What could the police do? You try to arrest one guy, and there's 59 other video cameras pointed in your direction, scrutinizing your every move.

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.

Officer, it's a political demonstration... for reals.

I often spend an hour or more in the same location, trying to get the best possible photo. I'm not a professional photographer; it's just a hobby. I can't imagine those wedding photographers trying to take a photo in front of the church. One eye on the viewfinder, trying to compose a decent image; the other eye is looking out for Officer Friendly.

This Bloomberg guy wants to run the country? Not ready for prime time.