A practical truth I have learned with smaller budget indie projects is it works better for a movie producer to not have to depend on a lot different locations. This cuts down on time consuming company moves of actors, crew, and equipment from location to location. Breaking down film gear and setting up at each new location burns through film budget money and can cause filming problems that hurt scheduling.
To help get the most production pop out of a film budget and schedule is by searching for one or two key locations that can support as many scenes as the shooting script will allow for. The best way I can put it is that you want to be able "shoot the hell out of a filming location." When breaking down your shooting schedule make notes on how many different sets one location can possibly be used for. In some cases one area can be shot from various angles giving the illusion it is an entirely new setting.
This allows the director and director of photography to shoot some great stuff because the actors and crew are ready on set without rushing off to a new location. Plus equipment does not have to be constantly broke down, packed, and unpacked at another filming spot. All the creative weapons are right there ready for a movie producer to pull the trigger on making entertaining cinema that will find an audience through meaningful movie distribution.
Another time and money saver is to look for filming locations that are close together in order to cut travel time down for each planned company move. This is common sense, but even good old common sense deserves repeating from time to time. Scheduling a successful movie shoot requires solid logistics on how to get actors, crew, and film gear where they need to be as easily as possible.
Always have film location agreements prepared for location owners to sign. Templates for location agreements can be downloaded online through different filmmaking sites. This agreement grants you permission to film your movie on an owner's property. Many indie filmmakers do not bother with film location agreements, production insurance, or film permits. They are shooting a "run and gun" project, which is cool, because in reality it rarely becomes an issue that comes back to bite an indie produced project in the ass. Not to say that it has not caused problems for more than one independent "run and gun" produced movie at some stage.
I personally take enough gambles and risks in my life as it is, so I always cover my ass with film production insurance to make sure that actors and crew are covered against accidents on set. It also covers property damage to locations and is needed to secure film permits to avoid being shut down at a filming location. It is a part of the entertainment business where every indie movie producer at the crossroads will determine their movie's fate.
Shooting locations can get pushed down on the priorities list of an independent movie producer, but it is tougher to secure places you can shoot a film at than you might expect. Renting space on movie sound stages or private residences can get costly for indie budget films. There is an added expense of buying a film production insurance policy to protect actors, crew, and the project as a whole. If you did not plan on buying a movie production insurance policy your best bet is to find locations through friends and family where your word is your bond. They never ask if you have production insurance or film permits like with sound stage facilities. That is what is good about family and friend support of an indie movie.
Maximizing the least amount of locations to shoot scenes will give you more peace of mind and freedom to get truly creative. Actors, crew, and producers can spend less time dealing with company moves, and spend more time working on location to get a movie done with gusto. Film production insurance is extremely affordable for indie projects. Contacting companies to get quotes online is a breeze. Every state and major city has a film commission office you can visit online or in person to get a film permit. Smaller places usually issue permits at city hall. Once you have proof of insurance you will be issued a permit that will keep law enforcement from shutting down your movie shoot and issuing a fine. This is writer and filmmaker Sid Kali typing fade to black.
Get the inside scoop on writing, producing, directing, and movie distribution at Slice Of Americana Films. Check out the life and times of filmmaker Sid Kali.
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