First, I agree the laws are dumb here, but...
Sounds to me like they were filming this proect with no permits, and with no notice to law enforcement or anyone else. I took part in a student film once, and they informed law enforcement and everyone who lived in the area where they were filming so no one would panic when there were a bunch of people running around in Army uniforms with guns, and the police didn't show up with an aggressive response if they were called. Should have done this here. I hope someone with a brain sees this situation for what it is, and not treat it as a real crime.