Basics
Generally, there is a distinction between private and public facilities.
Filming on private property as well as on private & public facilities (e.g. museums, housing cooperatives, etc.) always requires approval. Approval can be gained through the owner. Depending on the location, this can be either a private individual, a cooperative, an association, a foundation, the city, the district, the municipality, the district, or the state.
Attention:
If a private owner is part of a community of owners (e.g. within an apartment building), everyone must give their consent.
If a private individual just hired the location, the approval of the owner (e.g. property management) must be present.
Here are some examples of public facilities:
(Point of contact are usually the press offices)
Public areas and places such as museums, hospitals, schools, military sites, etc. are essential for film productions.
Filming in those locations can be difficult - but not impossible – it just requires a major coordination process. Please consider this in your timing! We recommended offering the location someone to supervise the filming. Some production even offers to provide security guards. Please note, that additional costs should be taken into account.
Tip:
Communication is key! Good dialogue in regards os suitable solutions is always the right way for successful filming.
From location to film location: location search and location inspection
As a rule, location scouts and set designers look for the right filming location for a production.
In the first research step, they search through various location databases. Ideally, the entries and photos in the location databases are so meaningful that the location scouts personally inspect the location in consultation with the director.
Before a personal inspection of the location takes place, the location scouts contact the location providers of the online researched locations. Basic facts are discussed, such as the extent of the filming, the planned timeframe, etc.
In the following, a personal inspection appointment is made, during which the location scouts take meaningful photos for the production.
After the location scouts present the results of their location search to the core team of the film (director, camera, production design, production).
When they like the location, another location tour follows, the so-called recce, with the core team.
Is then the decision made that a filming location is an option the negotiations on the location rental agreement can be started with the location provider.
Location rental agreement
In the case of a local rental agreement, both parties have the option of providing a draft. You can find a sample of a location rental agreement contract here or on the website of the Federal Association of Locationscouts (BVL). (In German only)
Attention:
If you are only renting the location, you need permission to sublet to film productions from the owner, if necessary from the property management. If you do not have this, please inform the film production. But ideally, you have permission to film.
Location rental
The amount of the location rental is at the discretion of the respective location provider. Public location providers usually do not pursue any profit-making intentions, and private location providers also adapt their pricing as flexibly as possible to the project and scope.
A distinction is usually made between the following categories and price ranges:
A: Student film, documentary film, short film
B: Commercial film, image film, (music) video clip, photo production
C: TV film, series, and cinema film national, international (no, low or big budget)