Last week we went location scouting in an abandoned building. You should know up front that there were no “No Trespassing” signs posted anywhere. So we’re kosher.
This was my view from outside, looking in through the broken window:
Shmuel asked me if I was coming in. I shook my head resolutely. So I was resigned to be the lookout, which was even scarier, because of course all I heard was cracking twigs behind me and distant dogs barking at us.
So I took these pics while I waited outside:
Until Shmuel called me on my cell saying I had to come in and see this:
The stairs that lead to the dark tunnels underneath the main factory floor. I was *very* spooked out. Birds nesting in the rafters were screeching. I kept hearing footsteps. Here’s what I look like when I’m scared and trying to look excited:
And here’s Shmuel exploring. What a daredevil.
This is all natural light, by the way. We tried the electricity; it had been turned off.
Here’s me, when we got out, frantically searching for an exit from the complex:
I definitely wore the wrong outfit for that trek.
Now tell me, please:
1. How are we going to get permission to film here?
2. And who’s going to be responsible – if we do get permission – for cleaning it up and getting it ready for filming? I dread that it will be me…
Great find – may need some work, but could be a perfect abandoned bunker!
Working hard on getting permission!
Very neat! I hope you get to use it .
Amen!
[...] here’s me and Shmuel doing location scouting for this [...]
Just me mindful of potential contaminants. We’ve scouted lots of old factories, etc. and some are pretty dangerous – even have toxic dust! Also, watch out for peeling lead paint.
Thank you – good call. Although this one was abandoned not more than a year and a half ago, there’s a group of big, blue, toxic-looking barrels in one corner that we’ll be sure to steer clear of…
You may want to think of contacting some film schools. I’ll bet set painters might like a try at this place once you have permission. And there’s always Craigslist, right?
Great idea. We’ve contacted a few local schools – not much by way of set design so far, but there’s still time. Not sure how much we can actually alter paint-wise, etc. but we would definitely need a crew to help clean it up and make it look like a secret agency’s bunker!
If you’re filming in an abandoned building and the local authorities give you a go ahead, providing it”s not a private owner of location & building. If you ask the local authority nicely. They may even provide free services from the environmental and safety department. They may even put you through to the Voluntary Arts organisation’s who may have funding to carry out a project for a set design and location preparation.
Hope this helps..!
Please note that i’m an actor, musician, Adr artist and also worked as an angel investor/ Executive producer.
Kind regards,
Faruk Sataki
By the way. What’s your project based on?
What are you filming for?
Are you filming in the UK?
Thank you Faruk! The ARK Report is a sic-fi film based on finding the Ark of the Covenant. The way it looks now, we’ll probably be filming in Pennsylvania, USA. Would be interested in seeing some of the work you’ve done – feel free to post a reel here.
Shot #02 is the place! Grittiness & BLUE METAL! It looks like one of the “X-Files” locations. I bought almost the whole set of their dvds & went behind all of their scenes to learn about how they ‘d light scenes (RED neon was danger, EXTREME white was confrontation w/big powers, can’t remember what blue neon was). Audio sweetening on your locations shots will transform your shots (I can hear the ominous echoes!). best, r
[...] Location Scouting in Abandoned Buildings [...]
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[...] ARK Report in October. This time Shmuel was wise and didn’t bring me (Margelit) along. Here’s what happened the last time, when I went. Share this: Pin ItEmailMoreDiggPrintLike this:LikeBe the first to like this. [...]
Having been down this road before, the best way to start is a three fold approach- Number one: The historical society is always willing to chat about the history and could lead you to the proper owner; Number two: County records or county film commission offices which can lead to lots of red tape and road blaocks; or this is the road I have successfully traveled: NUMBER THREE: Mayor’s office- after you figure him out you present him with a customized proposal one that offers either Publicity for the town, or absolute assurances of the opposite- no one willl ever know where we filmed at – but we will still give the Mayor a credit in the film- and an offer to make a substantial contribution to either the historical society, the mayor’s campaign, or both- along with a very well worded and carefully prepared waiver of liability presented on top of everything else with assurances that safety first, emt standing by, etc,,,,, The third road has always worked for me.
Thank you Danica! This is very helpful. Can you post a link to your project?
This was In allentown? Where exactly? Great photos by the way. Looks sick!!!
S. 10th St. Metalworks. Very intense over there.
[...] needed this form to film, especially since we were filming in an abandoned coal mine, and in an abandoned factory. We could not secure the locations without a signed waiver from everyone who would be on set that [...]