1.   What is Madisonlocations.com?

2.   Why do location scouts use this website?

3.   Why is the rental of my property tax free?

4.   Tips on photographing your property

5.   Industry terminology

6.   Contracts and negotiations

7.   The shooting process

8.   Who's in a crew?

9.   What to do when planning for production?

10. How do I email my listing to location scouts, and friends?

Planning For Production

Before you begin the negotiating process, you should first determine to what extent your property will be used, as well as what impact it will have on you and your community. Productions vary depending on the type of production. For smaller companies, there may only be a van or two, a few private vehicles, a dozen people and a few hours. Larger companies will have significantly more vehicles, equipment and personnel, and may shoot for days or weeks.

Here are issues you should consider:

1. How long will the project be shooting?

2. Will it be during the day or night?

3. What are the hours of shooting?

4. How many prep and wrap days are needed?

5. Will there be any special effects?

6. How many people will be in the company?

7. How many vehicles will be parked at your location, and what are their size (35-footers or 15-footers) and type (10-ton trucks, generators, motor homes, catering truck)?

8. Does the company have proof of insurance?

9. What about your neighbors, are they open to filming?

10. How accessible will your property be?

11. Are there safety issues, i.e., are there any problems with fire regulations or building and safety?    

12. How soon could a production company gain permission to use your property?

13. Will there be any restrictions on the use of your property?

14. What fees and personnel costs do you need to factor into your costs?

Some additional items you should have on your checklist:

15. Leave negotiating room for differing types of activity and impact.

16. Consider different fees for interior and exterior filming. Since exterior filming is less intrusive, we suggest you charge a lower fee or, in some cases, offer your property fee free.

17. Will you have an all-inclusive rate? An all-inclusive rate includes your on-site monitor, electrician, town manager and any other required building or community services or personnel.   

18. Will you charge a “use fee” plus reimbursements?

19. Determine other additional “actual costs” associated with having a crew in your home or business.
    These may include phone calls, water and power.

20. Electrical: Can a production use the on-site power? Who will pay for it? If the production needs to tie into building power, should a building electrician be present?

21. Maintenance: Are there any regularly scheduled activities that may interfere (gardening, window washing) with the shoot? Can the crew use the on-site trash receptacles? Who is responsible for the clean up?

22. Parking: Can the production unit park its vehicles on or near the premises? Who is affected by them doing so?

23. Legal. What types of insurance will be required? What type of contract?

24. Once you have obtained the answers to the above questions, you are ready to determine what to charge to rent your location, and begin the negotiating process.