I started this thread awhile ago, and I've been coming back to this (and other) threads, because, believe it or not, I have been trying to learn the business.

I'm on a Space: 1999 kick now, and they're going to reboot it, so I have done some digging on Youtube. Brian Johnson, the sfx legend who did the effects for the series (and The Empire Strikes Back), said that a miniature can be 3,500 British pounds, which would be about $25,000.00 today.

?url? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07Z3VQLSzLE&feature=related?/url?

To follow up on this thread, I should be able to create a 44-inch spaceship for, say, a few thousand dollars, and, if I do several, the cost per spaceship should go down.

There's also the issue of the space base, as in Moonbase Alpha on the moon. Again, without knowing anything, I should be able to do that for less than $10,000.00. How much to do something like this video?

?url? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IujcYIPEdto&feature=related?/url?

FAST - CHEAP - GOOD

Pick two.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

I'll go for cheap and good, because I got time - I've been talking about this for years, and I've only decided to become a producer, as opposed to director or grip.

That said, what would I do for a soundstage? I wonder if I can rent the premises as opposed to buying it.

quote:

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Originally posted by Aspiring mogul

I'll go for cheap and good, because I got time - I've been talking about this for years, and I've only decided to become a producer, as opposed to director or grip.

That said, what would I do for a soundstage? I wonder if I can rent the premises as opposed to buying it.

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Most Creature FX Houses rent their spaces on a temporary job-by-job basis because maintaining a space in between projects can be waste of money.

And most movies rent their spaces on an as-needed basis for the same reasons (amongst others).

For the most part, owning "stuff" just isn't very cost-effective.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

I really appreciate the help, Brian.

As for renting the premises, what about a bridge??? You can rent a "hotel room" soundstage or a "restaurant" set, but a space bridge is unique. I suppose I can rent the premises and renovate it.

quote:

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Originally posted by Aspiring mogul
That said, what would I do for a soundstage? I wonder if I can rent the premises as opposed to buying it.

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Yep. That's the way it's done. You rent a stage, build your
set, shoot your movie, take the set down.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

quote:

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Yep. That's the way it's done. You rent a stage, build your
set, shoot your movie, take the set down.

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Even for a space bridge? What about something like Deep Space 9 or Space 1999? I suppose they can do a long-term lease.

Actually, with the cost of some leases, it may be more cost-effective to buy.

"CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" has been renting the same stage at
Universal since February of 2000. The producers do not own the stage;
it and all the equipment used are rented. "Friends" used the same
stage at Warners for 10 years - rented. "Cheers" rented their stage
at Paramount for 11 years.

The Star Trek episodics were Paramount productions, however the productions still paid a rental charge to the studio for the sound stages.

There's nothing wrong with buying your "studio" location if you can afford it. You could build your "space bridge" anywhere... warehouse, barn, the back yard... but you still need to maintain it and pay taxes on it and all the other requirements of owning a structure and obeying zoning ordinances regarding what you can do with it (building permits, parking for crew, parking trucks, use of hazardous and flammable materials, etc.)

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

I prefer renting in my business, because I can always move. But there's a point where it may be more cost-effective to buy, especially if interest rates are low and real-estate prices are depressed.

The principal at the fan production, Star Trek: Phase II bought an abandoned car dealership in upstate NY and converted the building to a soundstage. That's why I was thinking of following in his footsteps, except I no longer want to do a fan film - thanks, CI, for your advice. 🙂

But what do you think of his buying the property? And don't forget I may need space for sfx miniatures.

The good news is that if this is a primary business purchase, it will be tax deductible. 🙂

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

The same issue in real estate will apply to film just as it applies to any other business. Of course, the usual problem is selling it, once your film or series is done.

I suppose a film producer should rent, but a TV series producer may want to consider buying, if his series is going to last as long as Cheers.

quote:

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Originally posted by bjdzyak

The good news is that if this is a primary business purchase, it will be tax deductible. 🙂

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I believe rentals are also a tax deductible business expense, too.

quote:

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Originally posted by certified instigator

?quote?Originally posted by Aspiring mogul
I suppose a film producer should rent, but a TV series producer may want to consider buying, if his series is going to last as long as Cheers.

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And if it doesn't?

And what if it is wildly successful and you need more
studio space? But where you now have your one stage
there are no other buildings available? Travel from
stage to stage is a money burning time waster.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

You've hit on the problems of buying, CI, and there's no real answer to that. I wonder if the studios can rent their soundstages and allow the tenant to renovate the place and put in a space bridge or something. I presume that would be expected - the bar at Cheers would be unique, after all, and same for the tent city for MASH.

quote:

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Originally posted by Aspiring mogul
I wonder if the studios can rent their soundstages and allow the tenant to renovate the place and put in a space bridge or something.

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A sound stage is a big, empty building.

The studio expects the tenant to build a set there. They don't call it renovating.

I can't post pictures on this forum so take a look at these links:

A soundstage with four different sets.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/alba/9285772/ You'll like these two.

The entire reason for the existence of a soundstage is for filmmakers to build a space bridge, a local bar, a living room.