Self storage unit as studio?

Matthew R. Rodwell

Matthew R. Rodwell

Well-known member
Anyone have experience using a self storage unit like Public Storage to film sets in? I am looking into renting a 12x30 space that has power outlets. I know some bands that do this for practice space. The larger spaces dont offer climate control but we will be using Cool Lights so hopefully that will cut down on the temp while filming. Just wondering if anyone else has done this.

We can get 3 months for about $350 which can second as a workshop for the Art Department during preproduction.
 
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If this is not against the rules of the facility, it could work. The only problem I could see is having available restroom facilities.
 
There is no way this can conform to the uses the facility can authorize -- I bet any storage facility is going to have a clause that says you can't use their place for some commercial purpose, or any purpose other than storing stuff in.

Yes bands do use these places -- but I'd wager most (if not all) are doing so without permission.
 
Go find some little local place and sit down and have a nice talk with the owner. I'm sure they'll let you, if you can promise to...whatever they feel, be ready to make concessions, and maybe to pay a little higher.
 
I'd bet their biggest concern is going to be liability - these places are meant to store stuff, and not have people in them most of the time. Last thing an owner of one of these places wants is to deal with someone getting hurt, etc, on their property.

Also - the sound in these places has to be terrible. Nevermind that people may be moving in and out of there while you try to shoot - and we're not just talking about someone walking by - we're talking about people moving furniture.

Lastly - even using Cool Lights - it's going to get hot in there without ventilation.
It would probably get warm with just alot of people in there - nevermind with lights.
Yes, flourescent lights put out a fraction of the heat of tungsten lights - but put your hand up to a flourescent bulb after its been on for just a minute or two and you'll feel how much heat still comes off them. In a room with no AC that heat is going to build up quickly.

All that said - I would definitely NOT try to pull this off without permission.
If you were only shooting for a day or two...sure give it a shot.
But if you're talking about a shoot that is going to go on for weeks...not worth it.
Last thing you want it to shoot half of your film and get kicked out of your location.
 
I don't think you need to worry at all about heat from the flourescents, but people will heat that place up quick.

In response to Luis, we were shooting with some Kino's one time (dramatic story begins.)

After about a half an hour into the interview, the sun shifted and started coming through the sunroof over the interviewee. We had to stop and change all the bulbs to 5600 K.

After a half an hour or more of being constantly on, I removed the 3200 K bulbs with my bare hands and they were only pleasantly warm, nothing to be worried about.


Long story short, it's gonna be hot, but not from the lights.
 
Danstin Studios said:
I don't think you need to worry at all about heat from the flourescents, but people will heat that place up quick.
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Fair enough - people will probably heat it up more.
My point was mainly that while it is less...the heat from flourescents is not inconsequential.

After a half an hour or more of being constantly on, I removed the 3200 K bulbs with my bare hands and they were only pleasantly warm, nothing to be worried about.
Click to expand...

Not to totally derail the thread here - but out of curiosity what kind of kino's are we talking about? I've mainly worked with the Diva's - and those little biax bulbs get pretty hot (even though they're only 55watts). I imagine the longer tubes dissipate heat much quicker... then again, maybe my hands are just more sensitive.
:)

either way - yes - people will heat the place up pretty quickly...lights or no lights.
 
Sorry, I meant to respond to this earlier, but everytime I did, my computer would lose it's internet connection. It was like fate didn't want me to respond to this post.

It was at a shoot for a doc., and they only had three of this same light. They were Kino's, I know that for sure, but I couldn't tell you what kind, I don't know Kino's well enough. I know they were two tube 55 watt fixtures, I don't know if that helps, sorry.
 
the film primer did it.

they intentionally used a storage facility though as it was part of the plot. they obviously had insurance, permits, and the permission of the facility as well.
 
hey

hey

I'm not an attorney but I'm 100% certain it's illegal to do that.
 
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