I could really use some good advice here. I need an abandoned farmhouse location for my short film. It's for an exterior shoot and I have a good idea of the "look" that I want. I'd like to find a place in southern Michigan, but I am open to other options if the location and price are right. I have tried looking around on my own, but I don't have the time needed to travel to find such a specific location. Since I've never hired a location scout, I'm not sure where to begin, how much it might cost, or how they get paid. Any suggestions for how to best proceed?
Anything Goes : Finding the right location for my short film by Jay Pulk
Finding the right location for my short film
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Consider Louisiana for its 30% tax credit incentives + a 5% local employee credit. All the production vendors are here, and the tax credits can be sold easily.
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I'd consider Louisiana, but my short film doesn't come close to meeting the minimum $300,000 in-state budget to qualify for the incentive program.
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Location Scouts can be expensive for a no-budget short. My advice would be for you to get together your paperwork and location agreements, then grab a camera and drive around until you find the type of location you're looking for. Once you find a location that fits your needs, then knock on the door with your paperwork in hand and ask. If they tell you no, then keep driving and knocking until someone says yes. Good luck! Also, some locations will require you to have production insurance.
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Thanks Donny, I've looked on my own but so far found nothing that fits my story. The location that I'm looking for must be abandoned and in a poor state of repair, so there's never anyone there, which complicates things a bit. I do have a small budget, so maybe I can find a scout with a list of properties in the specific category I'm looking for who would be willing to work with me.
There are always crew members willing to help new talent. You can also go to the court house and look up the abandoned places you found and find out who holds the deed to the property so that you can make contact. Just a suggestion. Good luck.
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If you are willing to go to New Mexico, I am sure you can find the farm house you need. And their is currently no minimum budget to qualify for their tax incentives. I may be able to help you. I live in the San Francisco/Bay Area but have shot a couple of shorts in Albuquerque and currently scouting for a feature film.
Christina, New Mexico is definitely a possibility! I'll message you!
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Jay, if travel isn't a problem I could help you in Louisiana as well.
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Donny, Thank you! Price is a factor, so if I can get the location someplace that doesn't have the high production threshold in their incentives, I'll probably look there first.
Just a thought; could you use some stock footage on a green screen?
Doug, I need an actual location to shoot at. Using green screens would actually cost much more in order to get everything to look right.
It was just a thought. There should be several abandoned farms in MI, but I suspect you're limited to shooting in the summer months, mol. Since you're doing a short (min budget), I suspect you'll have to wear out your own shoe leather locally. Best of luck on your quest.
Jay - The MI Film Commission are a bunch of great people who are MORE than willing to take you on a (free) scout. You tell 'em what you're looking for and they'll also send you loads of photos of potential locations. Super simple. I'm not sure if she's still there, but try reaching out to Carrie Jones. She was my Liaison with the film office there for a film project I had that ended up not going there.
Thanks Doug, I appreciate your input.
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Shaun, I'll get in touch with the film office and find out if Carrie is still there. Thank you!