Shooting in Hotel
 

I couldn't find any threads of this so. We want to film inside a hotel room for a small scene. (Not Porn!). Do we need to be careful of the hotel?

Careful in the sense of not damaging the room or careful in the sense of legalities of shooting in the hotel.

If the former, then of course-don't damage the room or you will get a surprise bill one day for a rather large amount of money. They always charge many times more than the damge really is worth - they're a hotel right? ;-)

If the latter , well you might have a bit of a time explaining all the camera gear you're hauling in and what you're doing and why and then of course should another guest complain, well explain to the cops when they raid the room you're not doing something illeagle (I'm kidding but...)
Frankly I would bring a synopsis of the movie you are doing or at least one for the scene - talk to the manager, explain what you want to do, come to some sort of agreement, promise to give the hotel a credit in the thing and go from there.
I know a lot of folks might say 'naw, just go ahead and do it' the problem is - the next guy that goes in there is going to face an uphill battle. Why not play it straight and do it the right way so the next time both you and I can go there and not have a problem.
Just my $.02 worth.
Don

In L.A., you need to be careful everywhere. ;-}D

I think Don is right on the money. 'm working with an indy director who keeps telling me stories like "I read about Roman Polanski doing _____" or "[insert now famous director name here] once did ________" in regards to taking questionable steps to get a shot done. I understand the allure to cut corners, but it's always an argument that ends with me telling him if he's going to pull that s#!t, I walk.

I was in the military, so I understand "it's easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission" -- but there's a time and a place for that.

For some generic hotel/motel room scene you may get away with it, but strickly speaking you'll need a release (location/property). That way you can also get establishing shots which usually help tell the story.

When you use a hotel that is themed or is uniquely recognizable in some way, you should always go with a formal release.

Always be careful with corporate identities which are not limited to logo's...

George/