ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXI want to use the real name of a bar location I'm going to use.
11 years, 9 months ago - nena eskridge
I'm shooting an ultra low budget feature next year and will use a local bar for a major location. The owner of the bar wants me to use the actual name of the bar. Is this a bad idea? They're giving me the location for a very low fee so I'd like to do it if possbile. Thanks!!!
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11 years, 9 months ago - nena eskridge
I don't think so. but maybe they sue me later?
11 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
Can they stop you?
11 years, 9 months ago - nena eskridge
Thanks, Paddy. Now what about using the real name of the small town we're shooting in?
11 years, 9 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
Just get it on paper in the location agreement - if it's ok with him and the brewery then that's great. Otherwise you could always record 2 versions of any lines that name it, and if it looks like a problem just cut in the second version?!
11 years, 9 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Hi Nena, by all means, use it. BUT as Paddy says, get it in writing. Your deliverables to a distributor if you sell it will require that contract. And if you don't get it in writing, the bar could enjoin your film. That goes for all locations, whether you use their name or not.
As for the city, I wouldn't worry about it unless it's a tiny incorporated city. Contact the city or state film commission. Certainly the state film commission can guide you on this point. And you can also talk to them about tax incentives too! The city will say yes, and probably give you much needed publicity, unless the movie is about a KKK rally in their town. I definitely would not use a fictional name for the city. What if you called it "Metropolis"? You'd get a call from the Warner Bros legal department. You just don't know when a fictional name will bite you in the ass. Better to not name the city at all.
11 years, 9 months ago - Marlom Tander
If the bar owner will sign the release, then hell yes :-) Of course, he needs to be ready for some Hotblack Desiato blowback.
(HitchHikers Guide to the Galaxy - Hotblack Desiato is named after an estate agency based in Islington. Dougla Adams telephoned to ask permission to use the firm's name for a character. Apparently, the firm's staff later received phone calls telling them they had a nerve naming their company after Adams's character.)
As to the town, if they kick up a stink, on your budget that's def in the "all publicity if good publicity" category. Though make sure your lawyer ensures that there are no bylaws about filming needing permits or suchlike that might allow them to injunct your distribution.. (Will they like the movie?)