orphanage location ?

[Randall_Oelerich]

I could use an orphanage for a location for a short script I am working on, any ideas how I could procure one in my city (Duluth MN), find some setting that would pass for an orphanage? My story revolves around two siblings (ages 10 and 8) who are at an orphanage, then leave the orphanage on some quests. I originally had the story start with them homeless, away from the orphanage, but after getting some critique on the story I might want to start the story at an orphanage. So looking for thoughts on what could pass for an orphanage. Need to use as few actors as possible because this is Duluth MN, really not much acting talent here; so I can't really have twenty kid actors in an orphanage for the scenes.

I do see one orphanage in my city so I am going to check on that. But assuming I run in red tape I need to think of alternatives that could pass for an orphange-- for an interior shot where the kids are mistreated by a woman running the orphanage, and a shot in the e.g. backyard of the orphanage with the two siblings talking.
randall

 

[Erik Olson]

A lot of them are called "home for children" or some other such phrasing instead of "orphanage". You might be able to sub a retirement home with minimal art direction like adding / covering signage.

 

[lambert]

What is the time period Randall? I assume present. You might be able to find a church with a school. Without knowing your story a foster care situation might give you more choices for locations. Good luck.

 

[Cassius]

A day care could work, too, depending on exactly what shots you need.

 

[clang]

Yeah, I'd have thought putting a fake sign onto a school would make a quick and easy orphanage, for almost any time period. You'll need to be upfront with any school you approach about the 'mistreatment' scene and how it relates to the rest of the film - they may not want to be associated with such a film, especially if their building will be recognisable in the finished film.