Are you looking for that perfect location to film your upcoming project? Have you already identified the perfect place to shoot but haven’t agreed on a location fee? Are you having trouble getting the location’s contact to return your calls?

These are common problems faced by any production whether it’s feature film, television, music video or commercial advertisement. And while not every location will be film friendly, there are ways in which you can improve the chances of finding locations that want to work with you.

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The first step is to identify locations that meet your creative requirements. For starters, you can search our locations database for film friendly locations throughout Nevada. You should identify multiple locations so that you are not pinning all your productions needs on one location that may not be available for your shoot schedule. It’s always good to have options.

What’s In It For Me?

Many times a production will approach a potential location by saying, “I want to use your location in my film.” Think about that request. “I want ….”

How about thinking about what the other person wants first before thinking about what you want?

Thinking in terms of what the other person wants first, then in terms of what you want, will ultimately lead to more successful negotiations. What does a potential location want before agreeing to your offer?

• Exposure – Having a location featured in a production generates interest in the location. Increased customer visitation from exposure in films and TV is proven benefit to the featured business.
• Branding – Depending on the project, this may be positive or negative. A location has a certain brand image; projects that align with a locations brand further promote the brand to its potential customers. Projects that negatively affect the locations brand will not even be considered.
• Location Fees – After all, this is a business. Money talks. It’s important to consider the level of business interruption that a production will have on the locations business. Even if you are shooting during hours the business is closed there are costs to be considered, like extra security, utilities and repairs and maintenance. Location fees offset these additional costs to the location and make up for costs of business interruption.

Plan First

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Approach the location with a plan. Things that should be considered may include:

1. How long do you require the location for?
2. Which days? How many hours per day?
3. Will the location be open during filming or closed to the public?
4. If there will be business interruption, for how long? Is it possible to calculate the dollar amount of the business being displaced?
5. What is the size of your crew?
6. Who’s responsible if there are damages to the location?

This information, along with the other benefits of exposure and branding, will result in finding a location fee that is reasonable for both parties to benefit.

These are several of the considerations that must be planned for ahead of time. When approaching a location for the first time, let them know that you have considered all of their potential concerns in advance. Have answers for those questions. Have a plan to resolve any issues that may come up. Most important, be honest and straightforward. Don’t show up with a crew twice the size of the original amount and try to shoot in locations that weren’t specifically discussed.

As any business owner will tell you, running a business is filled with problems. When you present your location request, remember that a business owner has enough problems already. Bring them solutions. Show them the opportunities that will accrue to them by accepting your location request.

Not all location requests will be met with enthusiasm; however, think in terms of the other person’s needs, approach them with a plan and you are more likely to result in success than in an immediate rejection.

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