Negotiating a Production Company Location Agreement

Selecting a location and negotiating a production company location agreement is certainly a challenge many filmmakers find to be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, negotiating a production company location agreement is an important step of the planning process in regards to preparing for a film shoot and the process can be rather simple, overall.

Before you start negotiating, prepare the details of your project in your mind. Be ready to discuss with the location owner.

Questions to Consider when Negotiating a Location Agreement

Before you negotiate an agreement for production at a location you’re going to need to plan out the shoot and have a good idea as to how long you will need to rent or lease the location for as well as other important details.

You’re likely to face several questions from the location owner including the following:

• How long will you and your crew be on location?
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• Exactly how many crew and talent will there be?
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• How will insurance be handled?
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• What costs are involved?
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• How will payments be released?

Having all of these details prepared in your mind before you begin negotiations is important. Think about it ahead of time, and plan to discuss it with the location owner.

Communicating with Location Owners

Negotiating a production company location agreement is largely about communicating with the location owners of the property.

Before you begin your communications, make sure you know who the owners of the property are and that you have a pitch prepared.

Pitch Ideas

You’ll want to pitch your idea of using their property to film on to them in a way that will make them feel good about the process.

Make it clear to the location owner that you and your crew will not disrupt the area. And that you will leave the location as you found it. This is an important step of the negotiation process.

Additionally, you’ll need to make sure that you allow time for the location owner to respond to your pitch. Don’t be pushy and don’t harass the location owner.

Answer Questions

Ask the location owner if they have any questions about your process or your needs. Make sure that you are prepared to answer the questions that may arise from the location owner in a timely manner.

Describe the production and the resources involved as well as how large the crew will be. Do not hold back any important details which could result in your agreement being null and void later on.

Get it All in Writing

Once you’ve finalized the negotiations, a production company location agreement can be prepared in a written format. One that is to be signed by the property owner, manager, and your crew.

Do not take word of mouth as a written agreement to use a location!

This could get you into a lot of trouble and certainly isn’t worth the fuss. Get the negotiation details, including location data. When you’ll film, how long you’ll film, and who will be involved, into a written agreement.

Make sure the agreement is signed by the property owner and by yourself before you begin filming. And most of all, have fun!