Local Resources

Local Resources

WHAT IS THE OHIO FILM OFFICE?

The Ohio Film Office promotes Ohio as a location to the film and video production industry by:

assisting production companies with their projects by serving as the initial point of contact for all production needs;
marketing Ohio as a filming destination;
maintaining a statewide location library; and
building and strengthening the industry workforce in Ohio

A PRODUCTION IS SCHEDULED TO FILM IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD, AND I HAVE QUESTIONS. WHO DO I CONTACT?

Typically, you will be aware of an upcoming shoot in your neighborhood because a member of the locations department contacted you directly, left a flyer in your door, or posted a sign informing you of the project. There should be contact information for the shoot listed on the distributed material. You should address any questions, concerns or needs to the contact numbers given. If contact numbers are not available, please contact the Ohio Film Office at (614) 644-5156.

A PRODUCTION COMPANY CONTACTED ME AND WANTS TO USE MY PROPERTY, CITY, OR LAND AS A LOCATION. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Congratulations on your starring role. Having a production use your property can be a very exciting experience. You also want to make sure you ask all the right questions to understand fully what to expect the days before, during and after filming.

Below are some items to inquire or think about:

How many days and hours will the production need your property?
Find out what will be filmed and ask for a description of the scenes?
How many days in advance will they need your property to prepare it for shooting?
How many people will be involved with the shoot on a daily basis?
Will there be areas of your property restricted from the owner, tenant or employee?
Is there a preparation or holding area needed?
Where will production vehicles be parked and how many will there be?
Are there extra power sources required?
How much additional security will be provided if necessary?
Will there be any changes to the property?
Where will the crew break for lunch?
What will be the main point of access for crew and equipment?
Make sure you have one point of contact at the location and with the company.
Ask how soon your property will be restored to its original condition after filming has been completed.
Take photos of the area prior to use and after.
Productions are subject to schedule changes for a variety of reasons including weather, actors’ schedules and technical problems. Try to be flexible and think about all possible dates the property could and could not be used.

INSURANCE

All production companies travel with insurance policies to protect themselves and the properties they use for filming. Ask to see proof of:

Third party property damage.
Personal injury/liability.
Hold harmless agreement (will insure against liability claims).
Comprehensive general liability.

LOCATION AGREEMENT

Make sure you have a signed location agreement before your property is used. What to expect in such an agreement:

The agreement generally allows for a company to come back if necessary at an agreed upon time by both parties. Sometimes productions need to do reshoots because of script changes, technical difficulties or scheduling problems.
Include riders if you feel necessary. This may take additional time.
Let the company know of any restrictions before the agreement is developed.

I WANT MY PROPERTY TO BE IN A MOVIE. HOW CAN I DO THIS?

The Ohio Film Office has a library of locations around the state. Please contact us at (614) 644-5156 to learn how to list your property with us.

I’D LIKE TO GET MY CHILD INTO THE FILM INDUSTRY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Start by contacting local talent agencies in your area. The Ohio Film Office maintains a list. Contact us at (614) 644-5156.

HOW DO I GET MY PET INTO THE FILM BUSINESS?

If you feel your pet is ready for the bright lights, contact an animal wrangling company that is properly credited. These are companies that provide animals to film productions. By going through an animal wrangler, you can ensure your pet will work in a safe environment. You also may want to contact the American Humane Society at www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

WHAT IS AN EXTRA, AND HOW CAN I GET HIRED AS ONE?

An extra is a person in a film that provides background for the main actors or action in a scene. Extras can be hired anywhere from a few hours to days and have varying roles of activity within a scene depending upon the production. A production company will list a call for extras in the paper, with talent agencies or film commissions. Look under helpful links here.

HOW CAN I OBSERVE A MOVIE BEING FILMED ON LOCATION?

Film productions do not usually publicize their locations. Companies do this to maintain crowd control, protect the safety of the public and minimize the impact on the local community.