Hospital access

Beat Takeshi

Beat Takeshi

Two-Hip Shakur
Anyone out there have access to shoot in a hospital or similar location?
I have to shoot 3 scenarios that require this setting but its almost impossible to gain access since 9/11 here in NY. Are there any stages that can be rented out? Any medical shows that have a set for rent on the days off?
Anyone?
 
Oppressor_LOB said:
...its almost impossible to gain access since 9/11 here in NY...
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I know what you mean, man. I was producing a thesis film while in graduate school and we had to jump through so many hoops to get access--especially in terms of production insurance and background checks. Ultimately it came down to one of my professors being friends with the CFO of a hospital in the Bronx. I know that doesn't help you so much but my fallback option might--finding universities that have health clinics or nursing schools. Of course an actual hospital is always better but I found the school settings to work quite well too.

Hope that helps.
 
When in St. Louis I was producing a short film that was entirely set in a hospital. I tried literally every hospital in the area, and even involved the help of friends in high places, none of which worked. I ended up building a set in an empty office building, which logistically worked better but creatively hurt the piece. I didn't get the long hospital hallway shots I wanted, and for that reason the movie felt smaller than I wanted it to.

Hospitals are very hard to secure unfortunately. This is one area where all I can say is be persistent and try everywhere. My attitude was "I am making this movie one way or another" and that's what I ultimately did.
 
Too bad you are not in Memphis, there is an 80 year old hospital they are getting ready to tear down soon.

I think they used it for "21 Grams". It is still a modern looking hospital, it is not like some Gothic monstrosity or eyesore.

Elvis was born there for crying out loud.

But, with people moving to the burbs, there are too many hospitals in the area, so this one is being blown up to make room for a new cancer research center.
 
I have shot a couple of times in a hospital that was closed down and starting to deteriorate, which was fine for the horror film that we were shooting. While we were there, the ABC series In The Line of Fire came in and redressed a wing of the hospital back to an operational look. This would be my suggestion, find a hospital that has closed. Of course, art direction in that situation maybe a challenge.
 
I worked hospital security when I was in college (lot's of study time). I would say you should befriend someone in that vocation if possible.

We had a few wings that were out of use for a long time, which would have meant incredible access to do whatever you want with no one to bother you.

Sounds crazy, but you never know...
 
Oppressor_LOB said:
Anyone out there have access to shoot in a hospital or similar location?
I have to shoot 3 scenarios that require this setting but its almost impossible to gain access since 9/11 here in NY. Are there any stages that can be rented out? Any medical shows that have a set for rent on the days off?
Anyone?
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Protection of privacy issues make shooting in a hospital virtually impossible.

I'd look into other ways to get a hospital "look", you'll never get into a hospital to shoot.
 
yeah, there is a hospital that is closing in 90 days around here we are trying to get. You would think one of the largest Medical Systems company would have a mock up floor in one of its offices for this type of thing. They need videos all the time and they always run in to this problem.
 
If you are looking for a location in NY, I can't really be much help, but if you are looking in CA, then there is a great resource here. It is:

http://www.cinemascout.org/

We used a closed down part of a state mental hospital (Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk) earlier this year. Since it was a state owned facility, there were no facility fees (other than a fire marshal and a single location person). I think the total cost for that location (luckily it was within the zone) was under $1000 for the day, so it was a real bargin. We had a crew of about 50 and a cast (with background players) of about 30 and the facility couldn't have been more accommodating.

Feel free to PM me if a LA location would be a consideration and I will be happy to pass along all the details of the one we used.
 
Terry_Lasater said:
Unless you are talking about Scott Chambers, I must ask, "Whatchutalkinbout, baquajim?".

http://www.elvispresleybirthplace.com/
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Terry,

I stand corrected. Shame on me.

Elvis' death was officially announced here. He was treated there several times and Lisa Marie was born there.

I have lived in Memphis 10 years, really sad of me to make that mistake.

Of course, what is worse, is that I have never been to Graceland either.
 
baquajim said:
Terry,

I stand corrected. Shame on me.

Elvis' death was officially announced here. He was treated there several times and Lisa Marie was born there.

I have lived in Memphis 10 years, really sad of me to make that mistake.

Of course, what is worse, is that I have never been to Graceland either.
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No problem. I'm sure Elvis visited that hospital many times and always left with a prescription. :cheesy: :thumbsup:
 
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