What i can tell until now is that were planing to shoot from the middle of June to the middle of July. And if i read the script
right, then in Reno, Las Vegas and in the Desert. All the Shoot outs, the Gunfights and the final battle will be done here in
Germany.
Just so you know, June and July (and August) are the hottest months. Temperatures will be between 105 - 115 degrees fahrenheit, during the day. In the 90's, at night. However, the Valley of Fire (seen in STAR TREK: GENERATIONS) and Redrock Canyon are very scenic desert areas.
Reno is an 8 hour drive from Las Vegas. Reno is also forested and considerably cooler in temperature.
I live in Las Vegas and shot some projects, guerrilla style (no permits). My last movie, I tried to go through proper channels, but I was rejected for the insurance bond (and Workman's Compensation is also required for permits), so I could not get permits. (our budget was under $100,000.) However, Utah allowed us encroachment permits, so we shot there, about a 5 hour drive away. Rates at the hotel were very reasonable, around $40 per room, for 2 people. That was 2 years ago and since the economy sucks, now, you might be able to go just about where ever you want.
By the way - lots of volcanic terrain, in Utah:
Definitely call the Nevada Film Office, (702) 486-2711. Have them send you a Production Directory. You've probably seen their site:
http://www.nevadafilm.com/
Also, Dream Vision Studios has a soundstage and owns some land that can be shot on:
http://www.dreamvisionstudios.us/
I do know people who are bonded, so it could be a possibility that you hire them and shoot under the umbrella of their company.
It would help to know some things, like:
How many in your crew?
All from Germany? (actors/crew) How many from the U.S.?
Payrate, per day - actor/crew.
Union or non-union? (SAG?)
If you are interested, I host a yearly event, called The Las Vegas IndieMeet. (This May 22nd - 24th will be our 5th year) It is a gathering of U.S. and Canadian filmmakers, crew & talent. Meet up, watch some indie movies, do presentations. Last year's features were the German language, NIGHTCAST (by Marco von Moos), RECON 2022 (Christian Viel), VEGASLAND (Yuzzi Brothers) and THE RAPTURE (Johnny Wu).
Here's a video, from the 2006 meet:
http://www.midnightsunent.com/INDIEMEET.mov (give it about 20 seconds to load)
It's a good opportunity to meet people who can probably help.
Are you trying to get the "Vegas" look with casinos, or is it only desert you need? Also, 5 hours drive from Las Vegas is Sedona, Arizona. I have family there. My sister is the Director of Tourism for that city. Here is the view from my mom's front porch:
PM me, if any of this can help.