Anyone in NJ - experiencing filming in a motel?

K

Karl Anthony

Active member
So basically I'm getting ready to shoot a short [student] film where about 70% of it takes place in a motel room. My producer and I made a few calls around but keep getting denied by motels (my producer and I explained very thoroughly what we're doing - also mentioning it's not a porn). We even offered to pay extra. We've been targeting small motels and not well known chains.
It wouldn't be a problem to just book a motel and do it discretely, but we'd like to see the room before we book it so we can block/plan it all out - that kind of luxury doesn't exist if we're just gonna book the room and not tell them. also, in the event we'll need to re-shoot, we'll need to get the same room again. So my question is has anyone in NJ had any experience getting a motel to let them film? We have a micro-crew (less than 10 including the actors needed). If anyone can name a spot or even help me out as to wording things better, it'd be greatly appreciated!
 
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It is a LOT less expensive and awkward to get permission than shoot without and get sued later. :-)

As it is a student film get a letter from the Collage explaining what it is they are asking you to do *as part of your course*
Show the Motel the script etc

Also ask when their quiet time is and shoot when it is less busy. they may be worried that you will create a disturbance.

Also whilst you are then and going to have a lot of footage offer to shoot them an advert/commercial?
You are there anyway. You will be shooting a lot of the material needed anyway.
You wil come out of it with both a short film and a commercial.

You may get extra points on the course for creativity in negotiating. And critical feedback on the commercial.

Just a thought.
 
Very good advice! I was also just told by a friend to try motels down the shore since they're no longer busy this time of year and most of them are small/family owned. I'll have to start scouting near there!
 
BTW if you do a commercial for the motel as well he might be more inclined to be helpful next time. Also it gives you an example to show the the next location you want to use. After a few of those you can start a nice business doing commercials to fund you though collage :-)
 
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