In the fifth of our series on what makes a great film location we look at the importance of the property owner and the role that you play in getting work for your location. It would be certainly true to say that a flexible and accommodating location owner will get more repeat work than a difficult obstructive owner. At Lavish Locations we have learned that there are three great attributes that our most "film friendly" location owners share:
1. Being available. Location managers and film production companies work to tight deadlines. You might think that they spend years preparing for each production but we frequently get requests for locations for the following week or two - especially if a previously agreed location has fallen through. If we show a location professional your location and it fits the brief they will often want to view it on the same day. If we can't get hold of you then the opportunity may be lost. So please make sure we have all your contact details and your mobile phone is turned on!
2. Being reasonable. If all locations could be chosen from web pictures alone then all our lives would be easier. But the truth is that if your location is chosen for any type of film work there will be a whole series of visits from the director, the designers and the crew to make sure they get the shots they want. If you want to be considered for film work you must realise that this is all part of the package - make the crew feel welcome and they will want to work with you again and again.
3. Being flexible. However well planned the film day is, inevitably some things will change on the day. While we're not recommending that you agree to unreasonable demands, it is much easier if small changes to proceedings can be worked out on the day. Whether it be moving your car, allowing the crew in earlier to set up or even making more rooms in the house available at the last minute, the less of a headache you make it, the more you will be remembered for next time.
Competition for film work is getting more intense as increasing numbers of property owners register their locations hoping to make some extra money to beat the credit crunch. With lots of great locations to choose from, a location with a film friendly reputation will always win out over a more difficult location. The key to success is you!
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