filming inside a store?

mehnkle

mehnkle

Well-known member
I have just written a script for a short film and the opening scene involves the main character looking for a pet inside a pet store. The only problem is that EVERYPLACE I call they refuse to let me shoot in their store for legal reaons, even some of the little stores. I have called voicemails leaving messages and left emails. Another friend of mine had similar problems when shooting a story for our Video Production class on the Xbox360 launch night -- no stores would let him film there. How do you guys get permission or what do you recommend I do? Thanks
 
Also I've found that actually talking face to face with people can get a more positive response ( I mean it sucks when they say no ) but It's easier to hang the phone up than tell someone up close to take a hike.... also $$$ talks like stated above
 
$$$$$$$$$$$$ is the only way, That and know the person that owns it. We did a shoot in a toy store. We worked after hours and not to late. So it worked out for us. You just have to find a situation that works for you. Maybe tweak your script maybe he works at a different kind of store.
 
PJC said:
Yep, either cash or a friend of a friend works at/owns a store. Or his family owns it, etc.
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I agree, but keep looking! Sometimes it's so discouraging looking for a location, but if you try hard enough it'll happen.
 
Alright so it sounds like I'll be paying to get this scene filmed if all else fails. How much do you guys think I should offer?
 
50$ but make sure you say its for a Student film.... i dont know how old you are, but make sure they know its not make money, even if it is.
 
mehnkle said:
Alright so it sounds like I'll be paying to get this scene filmed if all else fails. How much do you guys think I should offer?
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how long are you planing on shooting at this location; also how big is your crew; and is this a mom and pop store or a chain? If its a chain sometimes you just fill out some paperwork and they hook you up.
 
Shane Realm said:
how long are you planing on shooting at this location; also how big is your crew; and is this a mom and pop store or a chain? If its a chain sometimes you just fill out some paperwork and they hook you up.
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Well I have a shot list pretty nailed out so I am pretty confident about 20 minutes would be sufficient, but lets just say 30 minutes on the safe side. Our crew is only about 3 people on this day of the shoot: I'm the director/dp, my friend is the actor, and my other friend is the script supervisor. Kepping it pretty simple, and we plan on using available light so our gaffer usn't really needed. The way the script is written is more towards a chain like Petco or Petsmart. Both of those I have called and been denied by the store managers. Earlier today I decided just to leave the Director Of Public Relations a voicemail requesting permission to shoot. If that doesnt work then I'll see if they take $20.
 
wow "30 minutes on the safe side", I think with the right approach ANY STORE would let you film for 30 minutes!! ... I mean if worst comes to worst you can run and gun for 30 minutes. But, don't take this the wrong way but offering them 20 bucks probally isn't the best approach.
 
The scene we are filming consists of the character wandering through the petstore looking at the reptiles and birds section, eventually settling on the purchase of a goldfish. The entire scene will only have a run time of about 30 seconds so hopefully the store has the same view as you and they dont mind us getting in, filming it, and getting out.
 
Try having someone distract the clerk by asking about a product that's all the way across the store. Then run-n-gun it and get the hell out.

They don't call it guerilla filmmaking for nothing.
 
just get to know one of the kids that work in the store and offer him $20 to turn his or her head. Getting the purchase scene will be hard though.
You can always pretend like you are just following the person around with a camera or tell the person there that you want to record whats at the pet store for your bed ridden sibling so they can pick something out.
 
Pet Stores might be leery because of the ASPCA and suchlike. Afraid of the consequences if you boil a goldfish with a Lowell.
 
Anybody else ever think of getting a part-time job at IKEA just to use there already pre -made set' like kitchens, living rooms, etc. ? they got it all....
 
tell them its digital, hand held, when you say "Shoot" they think cords, wires, and being a PET store, its alittle scary for them.

Tell him its handheld, student, and its just a little clip, and you can go a day where hes not really busy in, tell him to give you a call
 
Thanks for all your guys help! I got permission to shoot the scene in a fairly large petstore for free.
 
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