The Filming Process Experience

How does the Location filming work? The first person that you will encounter, generally, is the Location Scout. This is the person responsible for finding possible locations needed for the script. He then offers prospective locations to the director and producer for consideration. If your property makes it through the first cut, generally, the Director, Producer and Production Designer, along with the Location manager, will scout the property to see if it will truly work for their project. If your property is chosen, congratulations! Now the real work begins. The Location Manager usually will be the first person to make contact with you and arrange for filming with a potential location.

Location Manager

He “manages” the location, from negotiating access and drawing up a contract with location owners; to permits and police/fire and security. He is responsible for parking, catering placement, art department location schedules, layout board, clean up, resolving practical or neighboorhood related problems as they arise etc.

Home/Property Owner questions you should ask!

Determining Fees

How much is your property worth? Typically as much as someone will pay you. But how do you figure out what that might be? One way to determine a fee is to ask for a month’s mortgage payment as a shooting (daily) fee. With prep and wrap days (days to prepare (prep or dress) a location, and remove (strike) the location) at half that amount.

How much are you going to charge to rent your location? Ultimately, that is up to you. But if you are unreasonable and asking too much for your property, you will probably find that the movie company will look elsewhere for their location.

Insurance

Make sure that your name or the name of your company/business and employees are printed on the insurance certificate as “additional insured.”

Tech Scout

This is when the Director scouts the property with his DP (director of Photography) and his “keys,” the Gaffer and Key Grip (You will also see the Producer, Location Manager,Transportation Captain, UPM, Art Director, P.A’s and possibly clients[commercial shoot])to discuss planning light placements, where the camera angles are, cable runs and where to place the generator and trucks.

Site Representation

You might want to consider a site rep to look after your property. You, or a friend or relative can serve as the site rep. The production pays the site rep directly, but they serve as your liaison and look after your property for you and have the authority to approve or deny any filming requests (or be able to immediately contact the property owner and clear said requests) as they arise. For example, they can help the production find the sprinkler shut off valves, breaker box, or the garage remote, etc. A site rep needs to be on for all of the prep days, shoot days and wrap/strike days. You might want to consider CineServices to supply a site rep for you.

Sam Kerse (818) 497-5927
Denise Dowden (661) 294-9329

Negotiating the Contract

You need to negotiate a written agreement or contract before you begin prepping and shooting on your property. You should request payment or partial payment up front before the shoot is scheduled to begin. You should request a damage deposit. The standard insurance policy for filming on location covers liability up to $ 2 million And ask or know the following information concerning your shoot days.

Electrical

Usually a crew will bring their own generator, if not, find out how they intended to power their equipment.

Maintenance

Are there any regularly scheduled activities that may interfere (gardening, pool service or are your sprinklers or exterior lights on timers) with the shoot?

Bathrooms

Usually a production will bring their own bathrooms. And you don’t really want a 40 to 60 person crew using your bathrooms exclusively. Find out what their bathroom plans.

Cleaning and Trash/garbage

The Location Manager is responsible for garbage and site clean up. This would include a cleaning service to Service your home or property to your satisfaction.

Parking

Sometimes parking for the trucks and crew is available on site. Usually, it isn’t. Most working trucks will park on the street in front of your property, with the crew parking in a lot nearby and being shuttling to set. While prepping and shooting... There should be no lights placed near anything where they could singe walls, ceilings, curtains, plants or trees. Use of nails, tape, pushpins, tacks, or clamps should not be used on ANY wall, door, beam or woodwork without YOUR approval. Floors should be covered in areas where the crew will be walking. Electrical cables may be brought through the house but only on floors protected by coverings. Valuable furnishings should be removed or protected. If filming will extend late into the night, you may ask to be put up at a hotel.

Shoot Day

The Army arrives! It is truly a spectacle if you have never seen a crew arrive. There are usually 10 to 15 trucks of various sizes. A caterer will need a place to land and set up. the crew should park is a designated parking lot off site, unless their is adequate space - like a reach or underground parking. There is a lot of scurrying and parking and lots of people in and around your property. It can be a little overwhelming, but don’t worry, it is OK.

Damages/Claims

If you find or the Location Manager or site rep discover that there is damage as the company is wrapping out, immediately contact the location manager. They will try to see it is taken care of at that moment, or schedule a time to finish repairs. If the damage is extensive, take pictures and present the damages in writing to the location manager or unit production manager; the UPM will then file an insurance claim. Film companies are insured for property damage and personal injury, including damage to neighboring properties or businesses.