ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

6 years, 9 months ago - John Lubran

Get back to them and explain the budgetary reality. They may concider your project to have enough merit to waive enough of their standard fee to make it possible. Otherwise you'll simply have to find an alternative location.

6 years, 9 months ago - davina brown

Thanks, John.

6 years, 9 months ago - Marlom Tander

Ask them how that number is arrived at. Are there things you can provide that will bring it down.

E.g. "It's a derelict building. If we waive the Hard Hat rule, our standing Health and Safety rules require that we have a qualified medical professional on site at all times. So, we get a freelancer in" and that's a big chunk of the fee, but if you have a nurse friend who might take holiday for you..... Possibly they have to pay a extra insurance premium whenever the building is used, but maybe your cover will meet their needs.

But if no joy, try Gloucester City Council. They have a policy of being film friendly and the local collage has a busy film makers course so they are used to people with very limited budgets. (In fact, if you can offer genuine production experience to student crew, drop me a line privately and I'll mention it to a friend of mine at the college).

6 years, 9 months ago - Louise Marie Cooke

Definitely negotiate unless its Waltham Forest borough, you'll get nowhere with them!

6 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

That's the problem - it isn't the perfect location if you can't afford it. Filmmaking is always about compromise and deal-making. Truly "derelict" properties are a lot more expensive than "empty" ones as you have to bring all your own services, power, toilets, make the site safe, assess for asbestos, floor risks, railings etc. Have a look at the location agencies, you might be surprised what kind of deals you can do if you're flexible - like £500/day (which is about as cheap as most will go).