From conceptualising an idea and penning down an award-winning script to assembling the best pre-production, production, and post-production teams, it's fair to say that a lot goes into the process of putting together a film shoot. Planning an on-location film production, be it for photo shoots, feature films, or PR events, is a challenging process.
However, film shoots vary in nature, and the need for specific locations, be it a green screen room, vintage vehicle, or a mid-century abode, equally varies. Location categories play a crucial role in this aspect, catering to the diverse needs of different projects, from photo shoots to feature films and PR events.
Take care of one of the biggest problems by considering selections of suitable film shoot locations across various cities offered by cooperative location owners. Once you've identified ideal film shoot spaces within the desired location categories, all that's left is to turn up with your team on the scheduled day equipped with what's needed to call "action."
Film locations, offered by owners for extra income, serve as canvases for video and photo shoots. You'll likely need at least two or more venues, including cinematic film locations, to bring your project to life. In that case, here is some advice on some locations worth exploring for photographic shoots and more.
Empty Parking Structures
With a creative project lined up, a parking structure provides ample space for your scheduled activities. Whether it's a dance shoot, a movie production scene that involves a large number of extras, or perhaps you want to build a specialised set from scratch for your next production, an empty parking lot serves as the perfect blank slate for clients looking for unique locations.
Vintage Cars
Whether your production is based on a historical setting or you simply want a cinematic boost, you can't go wrong with having a vintage car on set. It doubles as a prop that can dress up an otherwise empty space, particularly when filming music videos. Consider renting an eye-catching 1982 Pink Corvette for your scheduled creative project.
Loft Studios
A loft studio, with its high ceilings, plenty of light, and spacious layout, offers the perfect location for a good film shoot. Such a property serves as a blank canvas, allowing clients to use props and set buildings to transform the space into their desired filming location. All you need is to contact property owners.
Unfurnished Homes
Renting a home for a film shoot gives you access to several filming locations rolled up in one, making it an ideal search for clients looking for versatility. You'll come across a selection of stunning houses varying in style, from mid-century, minimalistic, Old Hollywood to super luxurious, catering to a wide range of filming needs. Most feature minimal furniture and furnishings, allowing clients to dress them up as needed for their specific filming locations.
Fully-Furnished Homes
Using a fully furnished property as a film shoot location saves you the hassle of dressing it up yourself, which can often turn out to be a costly affair. Such a residence is usually tastefully furnished, giving it a homey feel, and with the vast choices available in your search, you'll undoubtedly find one that works for your movie production. It's often easier to find such a property online, on a thematic website.
A film shoot brings together producers, directors, camera operators, and several other professionals, making the location a key factor in the success of the project. Regardless of the scale, you'll always need a spacious property to accommodate everyone, as well as the filming equipment. Several more considerations, such as access for the interested press and amenities that might be useful to those looking to hire the space, should guide the film shoot space selection process.
Capacity
Naturally, you'll need a spacious video shoot location, even if you are working on a small indie project. Film equipment like lights can heat up a space and make everyone uncomfortable. When scouring around for a suitable film location, account for the crew, cast, equipment, and props. Consider both commercial and residential properties, ensuring the location meets professional standards for your project.
Accessibility
Given that a film shoot includes a team of professionals and commercial equipment, it's wise to choose a property location that is easily accessible and a match for your needs. It reduces your overall budget when it comes to transportation, saves you from hauling equipment around, and you'll avoid wasting time when moving between locations. Additionally, working with a location owner who understands the commercial needs of a film shoot can further streamline the process.
Amenities
Certain amenities, such as access to functioning power outlets and heating/cooling systems, are perhaps non-negotiable when organising a film shoot. Other perks like parking, WiFi, and access to kitchen facilities, along with the owner's provision of a contact phone for assistance, are an added plus. Again, it depends on your preference, but most locations don't disappoint because they come bundled with several helpful amenities.
Parking
Going back to the equipment factor, depending on the nature of your film project, you might need to find a location to set up a mobile studio somewhere. Providing a dedicated parking lot at film locations allows for additional production space, cast and crew caravan set up, as well as parking transportation vehicles.
Ambience
Even an empty space exudes a certain charm, and you'll want to go for a film shoot space that aligns with the overall theme of your project. Working with a location agency makes this process more straightforward, as it reduces the work that goes into converting the space for your intended purpose. This approach also lowers your props budget if the location includes furnishings, making it ideal for editorial shoots.
A film shoot provides an opportunity for a team of professionals to showcase their talents in a creative way. You also want to impress the team working on the project off the bat, and it starts with selecting the best film shoot spaces.
Dance Shoots on Roof Tops
A rooftop provides the perfect vantage point to film establishing shots, music videos, brawl scenes, dance shoots, and interviews. It equally works for chase scenes, think of the "Die Hard" sequences, or romantic settings.
Music Videos in Wine Cellars or Basements
Wine cellars and basements are the perfect spaces to host chilling thriller or horror scenes. It doesn't hurt if the cellar/basement is accessed via a stairway because you can ensure there's yet another set to use at a single venue.
Productions in Vintage Bathrooms
At first glance, it may seem unusual, but some restored locations have Art Deco or vintage-inspired bathrooms that could be perfect for historical scenes. With proper set dressing, a bathroom location could also work well for a music video or a horror film scene.
Video Shoots in Home Offices
A home office is a versatile space that can function as a private investigator's office, business premises, or the principal's office. Generally, any scene requiring an office set-up for commercials or other projects can work in this space. It's a place where you can hear the hustle of work and the quiet of concentration.
Filming at a Movie Theater
A small theatre or a home cinema room can be a great location for filming various scenes, like a stage performance or a romantic date. This setting provides a great opportunity to explore thousands of other possibilities to transform the abstract room into a variety of cinematic film shoot locations, especially if the pews can be moved.