PB Film

WHAT IS A PRODUCTION 

"Production" can refer to big-budget blockbusters or low-budget independents with a broad range that includes episodic television, commercials, photoshoots, documentaries, corporate films, music
videos, web content and more. Budgets vary and expenditures go beyond wages with camera, lighting, equipment rentals, hotel rooms, location fees and office space. Often with additional expenses like vehicle rentals, caterers, building materials, props, set dressing,
wardrobe and grooming supplies. 

A commercial production project arrives in a community with money to spend and a goals to accomplish. It's important to understand how the process works and why there can be unusual requests that need to be addressed quickly...hence, the birth of film commissions charged with attracting and facilitating projects on behalf of the production community.

Productions that choose to film in Palm Beach County have enjoyed free one-stop permitting and location assistance as an incentive to film in The Palm Beaches. Producers, designers, location scouts and location managers bring their needs to us, and our office coordinates with municipalities and districts on their behalf when they film on public property.

PRE PRODUCTION AND FILM CREW ROLES

There is a host of different jobs comprising a film crew...and they're always in a hurry! The period of time that a company has to prepare for filming is "pre-production" and it can vary dramatically from project to project. Feature films may have months of lead-time, but a television series may only have a couple of weeks. Commercials can move from prep to wrap in less than a month, at times with only a few days to secure locations.

A location manager or location scout is usually the first person to make contact with a community and/or property owner. Their job is to find, photograph, negotiate and lock down the locations needed for any given production.  The look of the location isn't the only consideration; the location manager also needs to keep in mind businesses and neighbors who may be impacted by the production, such as:

• • Availability of parking for crew cars, equipment and trucks
  • Securing restroom facilities and an area for catering
  • Intrusive power lines, noise and traffic concerns
  • Flight paths, train tracks and nearby construction noise

THE TECH SCOUT

Once photographs are submitted to the production team and it appears the locations might work both artistically and logistically, the location manager will return with additional members of the production team. On this technical survey, or "tech scout", the team will determine what may or may not work for the project. The tech scout may include the following key players:

Director - the creator of the artistic vision of the film; works to guide crew and talent to fulfill the vision

Producer - supervises all business aspects of the film, including raising funds and hiring key personnel

Unit Production Manager (UPM) - handles the finances; ensures the film comes in on time and on budget

• • Production Designer - works to oversee the design and "look" of the film including the oversight of the props, set dressing, hair, makeup, wardrobe and location departments
  • Location Manager/Scout - responsible for securing and clearing locations needed for the project
  • The tech scout may include meeting the neighbors to park additional equipment or run cables across their property-- the scenarios are endless and depending on the type of production, there may be additional crew involved with the tech scout.

PRODUCTION

Once the camera starts to roll, the production is moving at full speed. With possibly hundreds of people on payroll, if delays occur, it can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. There are a variety scenarios that disrupt production - most commonly weather - that can cause the shooting schedule to shift, and these changes have to be addressed quickly and efficiently. Most high-budget productions keep a "cover set" (an alternative interior location) that can be used so the filming day is not lost. A company may also get ahead or behind schedule, making it necessary to change or expand the use of a location. Other variables can include the illness of an actor, a script rewrite or the failure of special equipment to arrive on time. Production companies are used to dealing with this kind of sudden change, but they'll need the understanding and cooperation of the community to make it work.

If you are interested in your property being considered as a film location, please feel free to submit your property though this website under the Locations Tab/Submit a location.

You can get additional exposure for your property by submitting to the Florida Office of Film & Entertainment as well.