I'm shooting a short on 24p HD that takes place mainly in an elevator. Does anyone know where I could find an elevator to shoot in for free (or low low $$) in/near Los Angeles? Is it smarter to build an elevator set? Any suggestions/tips/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm not in LA so I can't help you there, but I'd build a set before I looked for an elevator. The best you'll probably get is an elevator in an abandoned building, or a real elevator during the hours of 2 AM to 5 AM.

Depending on how long you're going to need it, I'd go with building one like a real one that you have some access to (if you need a going in and going out shot) so you can do both.

Good luck,

Chris

Much smarter to build a set. Four blank walls, doors that open
by hand, a little paint....

You can then move a wall out and even shoot from above for
better coverage and lighting.

I did a short that took place entirely in a closet. That's what
we did. I even got a full 360° dolly shot

I did a short that took place entirely in a closet. That's what
we did. I even got a full 360° dolly shot
That's a mighty impressive shot too I might add, I watched it several times trying to determine whether the closet was a real closet or one with removable walls solely because of that 360 shot. :)

I concur.. build a set, you'll have total control over the lighting, and everything else. Not to mention it will be easier to shoot (as has already been covered)

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it!

Thanks, Will.

I wish we had used a video camera to show the crew moving the
walls and props out and back in during that shot. It was quite a ballet.

Took 14 takes. The wall with all the clothes was a ......

Hey Directorik, is there any place I can watch the short? I'd love to see this technique in action! :)

It was quite a ballet.

You love that stuff. I think it was your "Dark Crimes" that had another amazing camera shuffle-around, when everyone is introducing themselves in the bar. The choreography that went into that was nuts. :P

Build a set. Total control, and safer.

OR

Here's a showroom: http://www.suncoastelevator.com/consultant.html

Thanks Zen. I love to challenge myself, the crew and the cast. That
scene in "dark crimes" is 22 minutes long with no cuts. A full day
of rehearsal four full takes and six aborted takes - one at the 19
minute mark.

It was a tough day But it really sets the stage for a real time story.

Here ya go VladCantSleep:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiu-mdOmFVs