Location: ask or don't ask ?

Randall_Oelerich

Randall_Oelerich

Veteran
I film my first short film in ten days. Found the perfect location at a local cemetery, hidden area far back in a corner, unobtrusive. But should I ask the cemetery office for permission to film my short there, or chance it and do it on the sly and I do not get kicked out? This is a five minute short film (but will take one or two afternoons to film I am sure), only one actor, me as cameraman and someone else to hold mic/boom. The office is open 8am-4:30pm, after which I assume the caretaker goes home, since the told me by phone the gates are open 24/7 (never close) and their caretaker no longer lives in a house on their property that they sold recently. It is such a perfect location, I hate to ask and get told "No" and have to find some other cemetery to film in; but it sure would be comforting while filming to know I have permission. Thoughts?
 
Always ask first. my 2. but if you are into guerilla/down and dirty/don't give a F style, bum rush it and knock it out. It really depends on your respect for the rules. I ask first. because of serious past police issues. : (
 
Look at it this way... how would you like to come home, and find somebody just decided to use your stuff without asking? It is a matter of respect, as well as an assurance that there won't be any unexpected people in blue ruining your shot.

P.S. I would also like to add, it is the Guerilla mentality that makes it harder for others in the film community. Anybody who has ever had to deal with immature people making a movie, will forever cast a suspicious eye on anyone wanting to do things right.
 
Don't do it without permission unless you are comfortable with having to sustain the worst possible consequences (whatever those may be; criminal charges, fines, civil suit, losing your shooting days, etc) of doing it, unapproved.
 
>I hate to ask and get told "No" and have to find some other cemetery to film in;
>but it sure would be comforting while filming to know I have permission. Thoughts?

There are two issues for me. (aside from legal concerns)

First of all, consider the hastle of being told "no" half way through filming on the second day (ie: getting kicked out). It's best to ask up front and know for sure ahead of time. Plus if you are nice and they like you, it'll make it so much easier to shoot there again in the future when you do have a budget and crew. (and you will, eventually)

The second issue is quality of work. If you have permission, you can relax and not have to constantly look over your shoulder and worry about being kicked out. You will have enough to worry about - sound, camera, acting - a million things. Free up some brain cells to higher functions and your film will be an order of magnitude more professional.
 
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Okay I am decided, I will ask permission (in person). It just seemed a bit gray area, since it is a cemetery where people come into and leave all the time (not exactly "trespassing" in the strictest sense like on a farm or private home property), feed the ducks in the pond, hike around for walks etc.
 
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That's a nice Boy, Randall! Just be sure to dress nice, speak respectfully, and have some confidence about what you want to accomplish. If you are confident about what you want to do, you can reassure them somewhat when they ask what you intend to do. Most likely, they will imagine the worst, such as your actors running wild and disturbing those trying to visit loved ones, or destroying the area in general. If you can be respectful when you speak to the head of the cemetery, it will go a long way in relieving some of their fears.
 
Looking great!!!! My friend just called, and I told him about this-- i had forgotten-- his dad sells tombstones to this cemetery, and my friend (Jason) used to work there. Anyhow Jason just called the cemetery and it looks golden, no problems. I will now be able to film much more relaxed, not wondering if I am going to get kicked off or have police show up. And Jason's 13 year old daughter wants to be on set and experience it, see if filmmaking is something she might want to pursue. A great father daughter thing for Jason and his daughter, and will even more legitimize the shoot with the cemetery management.
 
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Speaking of Fred Gwynne and the Indian Burial Ground, isn't that where they dug him up for that movie? I thought he was dead when it came out.
 
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