About Indianapolis
Indianapolis, the capital of the state of Indiana in the United States, has a rich and multifaceted history. Established as a forward-thinking city in 1821, its location between Lake Michigan and the Ohio River made it an important hub for transportation and commerce dating back to before the American Civil War.
In recent years, Indianapolis has also become a popular destination for filmmakers, with several Hollywood studios filming at school locations across the city. In addition to the thriving entertainment industry presence within Indy, several festivals honor local talent, including Heartland Film Festival, which highlights independent cinema worldwide each year.
Furthermore, Indy Shorts International Film Festival allows filmmakers to showcase their work on an international stage while celebrating storytelling through short films. It is no wonder why so many movie makers choose Indianapolis when selecting a backdrop for their projects, given all these resources available throughout this rapidly growing metropolis!
School Options in Indianapolis
- Bakery
Indiana is home to numerous bakeries offering custom cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. So during long grueling hours of filming at a school location, the cast and crew have delightful snacks to keep their energy up. You can choose from diverse flavor options to please everyone.
- Audio-visual equipment
Audio-visual equipment rental is generally a full-service business, with firms offering everything from projectors and sound systems to LED lighting and staging. They will provide you with top-quality AV tools and equipment for a successful project.
- Furniture rental
Several companies in Indianapolis offer hassle-free event furniture rental services, including supplying tables, chairs, linens, and more. They will deliver them to your school location and may even help you set up the props and furniture.
School Vendors in Indianapolis
- CORT Furniture Rental
Whether you need props for your school filming location or are looking for a temporary furniture solution in Indianapolis, CORT Furniture Rental can help. It boasts an extensive collection of outdoor and indoor furniture, décor items, electronics, office supplies, and more. They can also deliver the high-quality furniture you want to rent, set it up, and pick it up for your overall convenience.
- AVI Systems
AVI Systems can be your one-stop destination for all your audio-visual needs. It has customers across geographies and industries who take advantage of its next-generation audio-visual solutions designed with its client’s needs in mind. The employee-owners at AVI Systems use their talents, technical experience, knowledge, and commitment to deliver customized solutions that create new possibilities.
- Taylor's Bakery
Established in 1913, Taylor's Bakery has been providing Indianapolis with delicious desserts for over a hundred years. From birthday to wedding cakes, they can make them from scratch. If you're not in the mood for cake, there are other delicious treats worth trying. You can check out their website or one of their two locations and choose from donuts, bread, danish pastries, ice cream, popcorn, candies, and more.
Pros and Cons of School Locations in Indianapolis
There are various benefits and drawbacks to consider when choosing a school as a film location in Indianapolis, which can vary depending on the individual project and goals. So before committing to any educational facility, filmmakers must carefully weigh their options when selecting a school location in Indy.
Advantages
- Schools often have affordable rental rates, making them an excellent option for filmmakers with a limited budget.
- Filming at schools eliminates the need for transportation since crew members don’t have to travel between different locations.
- While some public schools may look similar from the outside, each school has its own unique interior design that can provide different settings for different scenes within one location.
- Since most schools have limited access and security guards on duty, they can be a much safer option than other public or private locations.
Disadvantages
- Many schools are only available during certain times of the year or specific hours to minimize disruption to students and teachers.
- School administrations may impose strict rules and regulations regarding noise levels, lighting equipment usage, etc., to which filmmakers must adhere to maintain their permit privileges.
- Depending on the project requirements, crew members may need assistance from faculty members such as custodians or IT personnel, who could slow down production time due to administrative red tape or unavailability during certain times of day/year.
Tips on How to Organize School Locations in Indianapolis
Planning a film shoot at school locations in Indianapolis can be a challenging task. There are several vital elements to consider, such as securing school authorization, finding the right location, managing permits and insurance, and ensuring equipment and personnel are up to code. Here are some tips to help you organize your school filming in Indianapolis.
- Get authorization from the school: Film crews need to secure permission from the school district before filming on any of their properties. This includes filling out the appropriate paperwork and obtaining a signed agreement from the community stating authorization has been granted.
- Scout the location: Camera operators should scout filming locations before shooting begins to ensure it is safe and suitable for their production needs. This includes inspecting lighting conditions, checking for potential hazards or obstacles that could impede filming, and reviewing any noise restrictions around the area.
- Ensure equipment meets safety standards: Film crews must be sure that all equipment used during a shoot meets safety guidelines set by federal and state regulations when operating on school property.
- Purchase adequate insurance: Crews should purchase additional insurance coverage (usually called “production liability”) before starting their shoots to protect themselves against any potential accidents that may occur while filming at schools or other public locations. Such policies usually cover items like property damage, personal injury claims, and general legal liabilities from an incident involving crew members or students engaged with the project.
Famous Locations in Indianapolis
- Woodruff Place
Woodruff Place is a gracious neighborhood about a mile east of Downtown Indianapolis. In the 1870s, real estate developer James O. Woodruff established it as an early suburb of Indianapolis. This community was a self-governing municipality, even though the City of Indianapolis expanded and crept around it, shrouding the area entirely within city limits. Woodruff Place was established in 1876 as an independent town. However, in 1962 it became one of the last communities to be absorbed into Indianapolis. The city and county governments were Unified under one name in 1969.
- Christian Park
Christian Park is a great place to take the family for a day out. They have picnic shelters, a large playground area, sports fields, and plenty of green space. The Pleasant Run Trail runs through the park, and several other paved trails are perfect for biking or walking. The Christian Park Family Center is located in the heart of the park and offers various programs for youth, teens, adults, seniors, and families.
- Beyond Spaceship Earth at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is world-renowned, and for a good reason. One of their newest exhibits, Beyond Spaceship Earth, is an immersive experience that tells the story of NASA's Project Mercury Program. Through interactive exhibits and displays, visitors can learn about the history of NASA, view artifacts from space, and even immerse themselves in the life of an astronaut. More than 30 astronauts and engineers who graduated from college in Indiana have been honored by the Astronaut Hall of Fame.