Owning a Production Location - 2

We've been discussing locations from an owner's perspective, so if you missed the previous page, you should read it first.

What does all this cost me?

Joining up with LocoLoco is a partnership, free to both parties. There is no implied promise that your place will ever be used, though it benefits us both if we can bring you a gig or two... it's how we recoup our pre-scout investment.
You're absolutely free to opt out at any time.

LocoLoco wishes to act as your agent/broker. We'll request that you work with us exclusively, and in return, we take care of you like no other.

What compensation can I expect?

Location fees are line items on a proper shoot budget, and with every budget, the producer attempts to save money wherever possible.

The fees are derived from many variables, and are not in stone. LocoLoco knows exactly how it works, and as both the production company and the location owner are our "clients", we strive to make sure everyone is pleased.

Our primary market, Columbus & Central Ohio, is not a huge production heavy area like LA, NYC or Miami. Costs are reasonable, and that's why companies shoot here. The base rate for a location here runs about $1000/day.

That said, no two productions are alike. Some are on shoestrings, while others are loaded for bear. Sometimes the location is the "hero", and other times it is barely seen due to camera angles. Location fees are thus all perception.

A very special venue can command two or three times base rate, though on a multi-day shoot, a negotiated discount might be appropriate. We take all things into account, and go from there.

A more demanding gig, with a larger crew and more impact on the owner's life, would always raise the price. Reaching a fair balance is key.

How does the selection process work?

Typically, a production company approaches us with a request for a specific type of "shooting space". That's what they consider a location - a place to "achieve a look" or "get the shot".

They might want huge windows that face south, or a wrought iron staircase, or a white mudroom with multiple nooks. Or all three. Ultra modern, country-cool, European flavor, Brady Bunch...
it all depends on the project. So we search our pre-built catalog to find the closest matches, or even options they might not have considered.

We create a special secure website to show only those exact selections, for the first pass. From there, we expand or narrow things down.
If we don't have it, a panic search commences. This can radically affect the scouting price.

Once they show interest in a property, we immediately contact the owner and discuss the project, assessing your availability and interest. Sometimes we will do this earlier, but usually we don't bug you until there is a strong chance.

At that point we either tell you what they will pay, or negotiate with you if appropriate. "Hard bargaining" can kill an opportunity, however. Many factors are in play... our job is to balance.

What is an average production shoot like?

Photo or Video? It could be 5 to 25 people, over a half day or a week. You'll know up front.

Some require a short "tech scout" - where the Director, Camera Op and Gaffer meet at your place to see it first hand and block out shots. This, and perhaps a half-day "pre-light" would happen a day or two before the actual shoot.

On the day of the shoot, a LocoLoco Location Manager normally arrives first and supervises the home's protection. Mats & padding are laid down, cables are carefully run, client and food areas are prepared. And then it begins...

Your home's protection is CRUCIAL to us!

We strive to be as transparent as possible, and to leave things better than when we arrived. Gigs are always fully insured. We do this all the time, and our reputation is critical. Plus, we intend to have you invite us back for more!

• I'm totally into it. Where do I sign up?
• Sounds fun, but can we talk some more?
• Let me see a sample house page.
• Let me see a sample conduct agreement.