A parkade would be private property, correct? How would one go about filming in one, assuming no-budget. Would you just ask the owners? Don't want to move anything, take anything in, just want to be able to bring a camera around and my crew/actors.
Anyone have any experience with this? I've gotten kicked out of similar locations before with guerrilla filmmaking, and I don't want to be in a similar situation again. But at the same time, it might be worth the risk to just get in, get the shots, and get out if the property wouldn't allow us to film with permission anyway. At least that way we wouldn't be going against a previously discussed agreement. We could play the ignorance card!
Haha, oh guerrilla filmmaking.
But in all seriousness, does anyone have any experience with this? Any advice?
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http://vimeo.com/corax
quote:
Originally posted by Corax
A parkade would be private property, correct?
Correct. Even a "public" parking structure is
owned by the city.
quote:
How would one go about filming in one, assuming no-budget. Would you just ask the owners?
That's the only way I know of. Ask permission from the owner.
quote:
Anyone have any experience with this?
I'll bet half of the films I made when I was
getting started had a couple of scenes in a
parking lot or parking structure. I did it the
guerrilla way back then.
So I take it you're asking about experience
getting permission? Here in Los Angeles a
movie maker must have insurance in order
to shoot in a public place. It's pretty easy to
get permission and easy to get insurance for
the day. But it's not cheap.
If it's privately owned you may not need insurance.
Time to make some phone calls.
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)
Alright, good advice CI. We're not nearly as big of a city as LA here, nor do we have nearly as many film productions going on, so I don't know if insurance would be necessary. I know some people in the industry here though, I'll give them a shout to make sure. And calling the owners can't really be that bad (it's a mall). This project is still aways off but it's good to know now how I'm going to approach it. Thanks. 🙂
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http://vimeo.com/corax
Let them know how (a) you are not going to cost them money or inconvenience. That is you'll use the part that is rarely used on days when the lot goes unfilled or whatever (b) you will happily include the name of their mall in the credits which is free advertising and potential bragging rights.
When you visit them it would also be best to know the schedule Perhaps not the exact days, although that might help, but how many hours or days you'd need. Best to overestimate than lie and have to stay longer than you need. Have a copy of the script, or at least the relevant pages in case they need it for some reason. Also business cards and other leave behinds to make yourself appear as professional as possible.
Also scout the spot first so you can know if the lot has the power you need (do they even have AC outlets) and how far is it from restroom facilities or will you need to bring in an RV or other bathroom solution. Try to pre-think every need prior to talking with the Mall people so you come off as on the ball. Also if you are going to pay for the rights make sure you get a set amount in writing. The boys who made Hide And Creep complained in the audio commentary that after they got everyone there and the gear unloaded one location owner jacked up the price on them. I tried to rent a radio station space and the guy I dealt with thought I was mister money-bags so things fell apart almost instantly.
You want to walk a fine line here of being competent (you'll be in and out and they'll never really know you're film team is there) and amateur (you are not an open check).
RJSchwarz
RJSchwarz
I always forget about bathrooms! We'd definitely scout it all out first.
quote:
Originally posted by rjschwarz
Let them know how (a) you are not going to cost them money or inconvenience. That is you'll use the part that is rarely used on days when the lot goes unfilled or whatever (b) you will happily include the name of their mall in the credits which is free advertising and potential bragging rights....
You want to walk a fine line here of being competent (you'll be in and out and they'll never really know you're film team is there) and amateur (you are not an open check).
Exactly what I was planning to do. Still a ways to go until this production is a reality, but I'm in a more knowledgeable position now. Thanks. 🙂
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http://vimeo.com/corax
The two occasions we filmed in a parking garage we found a company which had one and wasn't open at weekends, and filmed in there then... that gave us two days with no other cars in the garage and no-one to get in the way.
I used a college campus parking garage on a weekend. No one was there, the film students working with me were able to film just about anywhere on campus and their insurance covered everything. No bathrooms or power but we managed.
RJSchwarz
RJSchwarz
