When searching for the perfect film location, you may be tempted to simply post an ad to try to find potential locations. Before you do that, consider the advantages you gain by connecting with a film location agency. Time is money in the film industry, and a film location agency will help you save both. Here’s a few reasons to ditch the ad post and go with a film location agency.
Agencies have contracts with owners to limit liability
Film location agencies have spent a long time building up relationships with the owners of many film locations around the globe. They will often have contracts and agreements in place with these owners to help limit liability. You won’t have to worry about renting a space and being unclear about what you are liable and not liable for.
The agency will also create and manage any new contracts with a new film location. The agency will know what procedures to follow, and what language needs to be used in the contract so you can have all your bases covered. Just imagine the time and money this will save you in the long term. You won’t have to deal with having to figure out what contracts you need signed or what paperwork you need filed. You can just concentrate on creating a great film.
They know all the local regulations, requirements, and permits needed to film
Agencies and location managers will know the in’s and out’s of any required permits and city regulations and restrictions on filming that will be required in order to film at a particular location. This is particularly important when filming a scene in a public place, such as an airport or neighborhood. These details, if not taken care of, can derail a project on the day of filming.
Often there will be multiple laws at a municipal and state level. Having the right permits and requirements is essential to being able to even be allowed to film at a particular location. Before you get on location, you want to feel secure that all the extraneous details are taken care of. A location manager from a film location agency will even be able to direct your trucks where they need to park, where craft services can set up, and more. They are experts at what they do, and help keep your fim day on track.
They have a location catalogue
Location agencies will have a location catalogue full of potential film locations. They will have experience filming in these locations, and have a good repor with the location owners. Instead of waiting for a response to an advertisement, and then having to scout the location yourself, before even negotiating a contract. A film location agency’s catalogue will have all the information you need to narrow down your choices to find the perfect location, with information on size, features, and copious pictures of the location at different times of day.
Many agencies will have connections around the world, and be able to find you a location no matter where you are searching. The location manager will even be able to arrange a time for you and your director of photography to scout the location in person and determine if the space will work for your production.
The agency will save you time and money, as they will be able to take your requirements for the locations in your film and present you with a number of options for you to choose from. They will be able to do the scouting process for you as well, searching for new locations that your fim may require. Instead of spending your own time to try to find a good film location, trust in a film location agency to find the right place for your film.
They provide for all the details
Whether you need insurance, or a place to park the trucks, or need somebody to liaison with the location owner as you shoot, a location agency has got you covered. A film location agency will be able to provide you with the right insurance for the shoot at the location, saving you time and money. Additionally, they will provide a location manager to take over all the logistics of using the film location. The amount of planning that goes into just the location for a single day of shooting is tremendous. It is enough that hiring an expert to help manage all those details is a must in today’s film industry.
Film location insurance, whether it is for a short term project or a long term one, will protect you, producers, crew, gear and the location from any liability claims. A film location agency will be able to provide you with the right insurance for your project, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. The film location agency will be able to assess and provide the correct insurance needed for your production, based on a number of factors including production size, length of shoot, and budget of the production.
Your location manager will also schedule dates for preparation, wrap and strike, and handle any fees with the property owner or neighbors or tenants that might be impacted. The location manager will also make sure the shoot has as little impact as possible on any neighbors or other tenants during the shoot. Any unforeseen complications from the shoot location may be also handled by the film location manager, as they serve as the point of contact between owners and the production team.
While posting an ad may seem like a simple, economic solution to finding a good film location, using a film location agency will bring along a whole host of benefits, from having a catalogue selection to choose from, to having the right insurance for your production. They will also serve as your point of contact with the owners, and manage the location on the day of filming. Why post an ad, when you can get so much by working with an expert?