So, that was embarrassing.
I'm completing a horror movie currently, and have come to film the ending. On location scouting, we found this really cool abandoned looking building in the woods, and went up there today to investigate filming there.
Now, its derelict in places, so I was unsure whether if anyone lived there - whether this would be suitable for a quick guerrilla shoot (I only need the location for a few shots, and can use another location to fake the rest) or if i would need to get permission.
So it's all boarded up and quiet, and I'm tiptoeing looking around, and all of a sudden this guy walks out of the front door with a cup of tea and I just freeze. And then walk off. Luckily at that point i was just outside the front gate having a look, so wasn't on the property (which would've looked even stranger), but still, I completely wimped it and left.
So yeah. That went well.
I just found it so difficult how to even go about approaching that situation. In my previous films, all the cool locations have been through people i know, or sort of know, but I've never had to try and secure a location with someone I have completely no link with and am literally just strolling onto his property to ask.
I know the adage "You have to ask" but does anyone have any tips on how to go about this without it being super awkward? I kind of chickened out, but I do want to go back with some kind of plan and ask confidently to secure this. Maybe over the phone or a letter would be better?
Any tips or stories of things you've pulled off appreciated.
Cheers!
I'm completing a horror movie currently, and have come to film the ending. On location scouting, we found this really cool abandoned looking building in the woods, and went up there today to investigate filming there.
Now, its derelict in places, so I was unsure whether if anyone lived there - whether this would be suitable for a quick guerrilla shoot (I only need the location for a few shots, and can use another location to fake the rest) or if i would need to get permission.
So it's all boarded up and quiet, and I'm tiptoeing looking around, and all of a sudden this guy walks out of the front door with a cup of tea and I just freeze. And then walk off. Luckily at that point i was just outside the front gate having a look, so wasn't on the property (which would've looked even stranger), but still, I completely wimped it and left.
So yeah. That went well.
I just found it so difficult how to even go about approaching that situation. In my previous films, all the cool locations have been through people i know, or sort of know, but I've never had to try and secure a location with someone I have completely no link with and am literally just strolling onto his property to ask.
I know the adage "You have to ask" but does anyone have any tips on how to go about this without it being super awkward? I kind of chickened out, but I do want to go back with some kind of plan and ask confidently to secure this. Maybe over the phone or a letter would be better?
Any tips or stories of things you've pulled off appreciated.
Cheers!