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The
California Film Commission
(CFC) was established within the Department of Commerce to attract and promote film
production in California. The CFC acts as a "red-tape cutter" for production
problems on the local level and a an intermediary for businesses and communities in their
dealings with film companies.
The California Film Commission's goal is to
make it easier for you to say "yes" and ensure that all your filming experiences
are positive.
This page is designed to give you an overview
of the film industry. If you need further information or have further questions, please
contact the Pasadena Film Liaison's office for a copy of the CFC's manual.
Why should you rent
your property to the film industry?
Revenue
The film industry will compensate you for the use of your property.
It's
Fun
Film production in your business can be a unique and fun experience for your employees and
customers. It provides a break from the routine and can promote a sense of pride in the
workplace.
It Provides Promotional
Opportunities
Filming can attract media of all kinds and can be used to promote your company. If your
location is an established set, then that can be used to promote business. You can use
that information to attract the public to you.
It's Good for the Regional Economy
Filmed and taped entertainment is a $20 billion dollar industry and is the number two
export in the United States. As of 1996, the filmed entertainment industry became the
number one employer in Southern California.
The Necessity of Location Filming
Companies film more on location than on the studio lot because it provides a more
realistic look, it's less expensive, and it's faster. If they intend to film on location,
we want them spending production dollars and hiring our people here in Pasadena.
Who is the film
industry and why are they in such a hurry?
Types of Production, Schedules,
Budgets
There are three forms of production that will be addressed here: feature films, television
and commercials. "Preproduction" is the period of time a company has to prepare
to film, and it can vary dramatically from show to show. Feature films have the luxury of
longer lead times, but television and commercials suffer from severe time crunches. This
requires companies to find and secure locations in just a few days.
The average filming day is 12
hours long, and can cost a company up to $100,000. For features, television or
commercials, the scheduling of each production day is very important to keep the show on
time and on budget. Scheduling a shooting day means allowing time and money for:
Determining
Fees
How much are you going to charge to rent your location? If you are a small business (shop
or service), you should be compensated for all lost business while your premises are
closed for filming in addition to a location fee. If you are a larger business and not
necessarily put out of business for the filming day, but inconvenienced, base your price
on the going rate other businesses are charging. Leave negotiating room for differing
types of activity and impact.
We recommend that property
owners develop a sliding fee scale that takes into consideration various production
budgets, crew size and overall impact. In addition, it is important to charge fees based
upon the length of the company's stay. Many times they will ask to film for a half day or
less.
You may wish to have different
fees for interior versus exterior filming, with interior being more expensive.
Decide whether you will have
an all-inclusive rate (that includes an on-site monitor, electrician and any other
required building services or personnel) or a use fee plus reimbursements. If the latter,
then provide estimates to the production company of the approximate cost of these services
and personnel.
The
Survey
If the location works artistically and logistically for both the production and for you,
the location manager will return with the director, first assistant director, unit
production manager and the art director to conduct the "survey."
The director or art director
may ask if things can be added, moved or removed for the shot. Be as flexible as you can -
the director is trying to match the location to the script.
Final
Approval
Who gives the final approval? Who signs the location contract? If the person responsible
for giving approval is unavailable, who may act in their place? Time is of the essence
when a production company is making final arrangements for a location. Many locations have
been lost because approval for use could not be given in time.
The
Contract
This is the most important part of hosting film production. It is vital to include as much
information in the location agreement/contract as possible.
You need to determine what
your role will be when companies are using only tenant space and no common areas. We
recommend that if the common areas of the building are not impacted by the filming, then
no contract needs to be executed with the building itself. If the entire property is
tenant occupied, then the entire agreement should be with the tenant. If you generally
have a "no sublease" clause in your leases, you may want to exclude
filming/location use.
It is wise to require payment
or partial payment up front - before the shoot is scheduled to begin. You may also request
a damage deposit at this time.
Insurance
Most insurance policies for filming on location cover liability up to $1 million. Make
sure that the name or your company or business and your employees are named as
"additional insureds."
Regulations
The City of Pasadena has its own local regulations for filming which is approved by the
City Council. Click here to go to the City's Rules and Regulations.
Register Your Property for Filming
To register your property as a location where filming could occur, go to Register Your Property.
