ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

10 years, 11 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Thousands? Ouch! Tell them you want to rent the lobby, not buy the building ;)

Maybe more hot outside London? People are film savvy in London, there aren't a lot of good value/untapped locations left!

10 years, 11 months ago - Pascoe Foxell

Yep, you're right, missed out some crucial details:
How many crew?- 6
How many actors, background artists?- 2 actors, no extras.
Camera?- Small DSLR, tripod.
Dollies? Jibs?- No.
Sound equipment?- Yes, single sound recordist w/boom.
Lights?- Maybe, depends on space. Small redheads, can be powered by household plugs.

"I know of a space, an office entrance, I can use but I can't get a crane in there. Nor can I fit more than a crew of 3 and three actors and a background artist. Also this location is in use and only weekends are quiet."- This sounds great! Would it be possible to talk more about it? My email is pfoxell@gmail.com.

Wish I could go with your other suggestion, but the story doesn't have that flexibility to it. Thanks for the idea though (and all your other help)!

Best,
Pascoe

10 years, 11 months ago - Pascoe Foxell

Thanks Paddy! I have gone down that route, asked a few places similar to what you described, but they really do want a *lot* more money than I can offer. Running into the thousands generally...

10 years, 11 months ago - ANDY LEWIS

As a shooter of zero budget shorts myself I can understand the frustration. The first film I directed, 5 years ago, cost me £600 per day just for the location. There's no way I'd pay that now.
It did give me 3 different sets and areas for the cast crew and gear to hang out.
There is no chance someone will give you access for £50. It won't pay for insurance, security or an electrician who will check you are not doing daft things with the mains power and be able to switch AC & lights on and off.
Which brings me to the questions that you have not given any indication as to your real needs.
How many crew? How many actors, background artists? Camera? Dollies? Jibs? Sound equipment? I know of a space, an office entrance, I can use but I can't get a crane in there. Nor can I fit more than a crew of 3 and three actors and a background artist.
Also this location is in use and only weekends are quiet.
My suggestion:
Chose the best exterior of a mega corporate that you can find. A real kick arse (exterior) set. Make sure you can see the reception desk and receptionist in a shot from the out side. Shoot as much as you can outside. This may mean jiggering the script. When there's the inside stuff go close up and shoot elsewhere. Match a bit of the architecture, reception desk, receptionist. Albeit out of focus. That depends on the camera and lens. Add some echo/ atmos to the sound - bingo. Spend the money on the matching props and catering.

10 years, 11 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

How about asking one of the many serviced office companies on a weekend when it's not going to interfere with their customers so much? You will probably need to find more than £50 though as you'll likely need to pay for a member of staff to be on site to supervise/make sure you don't rob the place/make sure you don't let anyone else rob the place!