Location estimate at DVinfo.net

Chuck Coleman · May 14th, 2008, 11:18 AM

I am putting together a bid and the client wants an estimate of location cost. We have not found a location, but have an idea of what they want. Without doing a ton of research, is there a standard cost involved? It is a simply location, a small office setting. We may be able to find one for free, but maybe not. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Jay Gladwell · May 14th, 2008, 11:45 AM

Don't be lazy. There is no "standard cost." Do your own "ton of research," only then will you have the "right" answer. And you'll learn a great deal along the way, too!

Adam Bauser · May 14th, 2008, 02:37 PM

I typically budget $500-$1000 per day and make sure your client knows this only an estimate of the location cost. Then you at least have a starting dollar amount for negotiating with a property owner whose location you want to use.

Also, you might find that places will ask your for proof of your liability insurance. The typical request is for $1mil of general liability, and they'll ask to be listed as additional insured on your policy for the day of shooting (and require a Cert of Ins to prove it). If you don't have this insurance you can either a) try to get your client to insure the location on their liability policy b) get a short term policy and pass the cost onto the client. Insurance can cost more than what you'll be paying for the location.

If the location doesn't want any proof of insurance, you could skip all that, but it is a liability risk. If you damage something, someone gets hurt on set, etc. you've potentially got real problems.

Dylan Couper · May 14th, 2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Bauser

I typically budget $500-$1000 per day and make sure your client knows this only an estimate of the location cost. Then you at least have a starting dollar amount for negotiating with a property owner whose location you want to use.

In my humble experience, that number is accurate. I budget the same per day for small, simply indoor locations, $1500-$2500 a day for larger more complex locations. These are Vancouver numbers, which should reflect on any major "film" city... where people are happy to grind filmmakers for as much money as they can.

May 14th, 2008, 11:18 AM	#1
Chuck Coleman New Boot Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: omaha nebraska Posts: 11	Location estimate I am putting together a bid and the client wants an estimate of location cost. We have not found a location, but have an idea of what they want. Without doing a ton of research, is there a standard cost involved? It is a simply location, a small office setting. We may be able to find one for free, but maybe not. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

May 14th, 2008, 11:45 AM	#2
Jay Gladwell Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,244	Don't be lazy. There is no "standard cost." Do your own "ton of research," only then will you have the "right" answer. And you'll learn a great deal along the way, too!

May 14th, 2008, 02:37 PM	#3
Adam Bauser Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 73	I typically budget $500-$1000 per day and make sure your client knows this only an estimate of the location cost. Then you at least have a starting dollar amount for negotiating with a property owner whose location you want to use. Also, you might find that places will ask your for proof of your liability insurance. The typical request is for $1mil of general liability, and they'll ask to be listed as additional insured on your policy for the day of shooting (and require a Cert of Ins to prove it). If you don't have this insurance you can either a) try to get your client to insure the location on their liability policy b) get a short term policy and pass the cost onto the client. Insurance can cost more than what you'll be paying for the location. If the location doesn't want any proof of insurance, you could skip all that, but it is a liability risk. If you damage something, someone gets hurt on set, etc. you've potentially got real problems.