How to make a Professional Short Film for $80 (Part I - Pre-Production).

Step 5 Planning and Pre-Production (Location)

Locations

Permit laws vary from state to state and place to place. I live in Georgia which is relatively permit free meaning I can film most places without having to worry about being hassled by the police. Regardless, I have no money for permits and therefore practice a method of filmmaking affectionately referred to as guerrilla.

Guerrilla filmmaking borders on the territory of what is legal quite often so let me say again, I am not responsible for whatever dumb decisions you make. With that said, guerrilla filmmaking is a blast.

Much of my movie was filmed in Atlanta, particularly in an abandoned paint factory that we discovered via Flickr and friends. Flickr, youtube, and your everyday search engine are your best friends when it comes to discovering awesome, unique locations in your city to create films. Just be advised that most of these locations probably require permits. However, if you stay discreet and hidden this probably won't be a problem. As long as you travel light you can claim ignorance of local permit laws on the grounds of being a film student or amateur.

Your last, and probably greatest, location resource are your friends and family. The hospital scene in my film was actually filmed in a hospital  without the knowledge of the staff. The other director's grandmother was recovering from a recent surgery and while she was out exercising, we borrowed her room to film a quick scene. To remain anonymous we were forced to whisper all the lines and then redub in post. It was not the easiest or most elegant solution but it was a lot fun.

Be smart, travel light, and think creatively and you should have no problem finding the perfect location for your awesome movie.

Comments

[AlternateLives]

I think in some situations, you could just ask the owner of the property you want to shoot at. If they say yes, you are in the clear, because you are shooting on private property with permission, thus negating the need for a permit. in most circumstances, it won't cost a dime. you could maybe make it even more likely to get a yes by dropping this line on the owner: "we will be responsible for anything we do on your property."

[movie man]

I get that problem a lot. When I was filming in a hotel, and some other places we always had to do quick, and quiet filming so that no one would notice.