Renting house for location shoot

Brian 162 · 04-16-2006, 08:00 AM

I found a hand delivered letter from a location scout wanting to use my house for 4 days to film a movie being directed by Norman Jewison. My questions are:

1 Is this how sites are located for filming?

2 Is price they offer negotiable?

3Has anyone here done it with pros and cons of doing it?

They will cover insurance and put me up in a hotel.

Any feedback would be great.

Thanks, Brian

jorian · 04-16-2006, 08:14 AM

I have had 2 location shoots on my property and both went well. They left the property in better shape than when they started.

They took hundreds of pictures prior to shooting and asked if I was happy with how they left things (I was).

They did take longer than they thought and some neighbours didn't like all the commotion.

I did check them out prior to letting anyone in to make sure they were legitimate. I called the contact number on the biz card and asked a bunch of questions about the production. I'd do it again.

Joeaksa · 04-16-2006, 08:41 AM

Hope that Hugh chimes in on this thread. He and several others work in the industry and like Procon can give you some tips and pointers.

Make sure you take lots of pics beforehand to make sure of its condition before and after. Just covers your investment.

singpilot · 04-16-2006, 11:24 AM

My boat was used in an episode of 'The O.C.'

Was better than before when they finished. All of my nieces now think I am cool.

JMPRO · JMPRO's Garage

I know some people in Van NUys Ca. whos home was used regularly in a sit -com for tv. The crew and all the cast were very nice and the home was always left in as good a shape as they found it, plus the home owners got to use the craft services as much as they wanted.
JMPRO

gassy · 04-16-2006, 02:08 PM

We shoot on location a lot--price is negotiable, most of the time, any product we shoot we offer to the homeowner at no cost. Different for a video or movie though. We shoot stills of furniture for catalogs.
Christian.

gassy · 04-16-2006, 02:13 PM

Name your price...They'll pay it. Good idea to have them cover the hotel.
Hugh!! Where are you!!? Enough blowing up the ferry already!
Christian.

Hugh R · 02:46 PM

Its probably the film "Bread and Tulips"? a comedy.

Don't know about the market in Toronto, but down in L.A. $2,000-$2,500/day is average. They should put down studio card, (cardboard) on the floors as they walk in, throughout where ever they will be shooting. Put away grandpops pocket watch, etc. Ask them if they plan on drilling any holes, include in price. Tell them to pick up all their cigarette butts when they leave (there will be a lot of them). Are they shooting nights? What do your neighbors think. Neighbors can be bought off as well. You might have pissed of neighbors if they get nothing and they're shooting all night. They'll be parking at least a dozen trucks/trailers in the neighborhood, unless they have a base camp somewhere else such as a school or other large parking area. Eat with the crew at catering the food is excellent. Lunch starts 6 hours after crew call in the morning. Typical crew call is 6AM. Normal is a 12 hour shooting schedule, with some early calls for crew and people cleaning up for the night for another hour after daily wrap.

They should not be using your bathrooms, except to film them. They should bring their own. Close doors to rooms that they will not be filming, there is no reason for anyone to go in those rooms. The Location Manager or his assistant is your key contact. Have someone at the house at all times as a site rep (you or other family member) to make decisions, such as if they want to move your china cabinet. Don't be afraid to say no. Ask about moving furniture before they come on site. If you can, cash the check as soon as you get it. Payment is made upfront. If they trample flower beds, bring it up with the Location Manager, he can give you more bucks for incidental damage. If you have a fax machine they will probably ask to use it.

Ask if they'll be using smoke or hazing effects, either mineral oil or a glycol fluid. They use them not just for smoke effects, but to soften the lighting for the camera. If yes, asked about a cleaning fee, it will leave somewhat of a residue. Remove anything that is absolutely irreplaceble.

Good luck.

Brian 162 · 04-16-2006, 04:57 PM

Thanks guys for all the replies. I will check out their references. The film is supposed to be set in New Orleans after Katrina. If I find out any more info I will let you guys know. Thanks again.

Brian

jorian · 04-16-2006, 07:44 PM

"The film is supposed to be set in New Orleans after Katrina."

What does your house look like exactly....?

Hugh R · 04-17-2006, 07:12 AM

Ask them for copies of call sheets for souvenirs and maybe they'll even give you a copy of the script. Can't hurt to ask.

Brian 162 · 04-17-2006, 04:39 PM

Procon has the plot dead on. The location scout checked my place out today. He said my place will be set in New Jersey. I will know more later this week.

Brian