Much of where filming happens is driven by the script; it is largely a creative decision. It is important to let decision-makers know that your jurisdiction has that “perfect” location. Promoting your locations really goes together with your marketing efforts. Be sure to show off the alleys and the heavy industrial areas as well as the scenic parts of your country. To get that special acknowledgement in the closing credits, you will have to package your locations creatively and place an emphasis on service delivery and outreach.

Fast turnarounds: Producers want quick answers to their questions because the wrong decision can cost time and money.

 Direct Mail:  Identify decision-makers and show them what your location has to offer. Include images of your locations and information about filming in your community.

Marketing Calls:  Get to know your potential customers and check in with them periodically to discuss potential projects that may be in the pipeline. Watch the trade papers for projects in pre-production that would be appropriate for your location.

Print and Electronic Advertising; particularly on the Internet, Entertainment-related and production-related portals are increasing in popularity and usage. A trend to watch is how producers increasingly make use of these sites in developing their projects. Make sure you explore ways to utilize these sites.

Familiarization (“Fam”) Tours: Invite producers or other industry decision-makers to your community and help them become familiar with you and your locations.

In-Person “Sales” Calls: There is no substitute for face-to-face meetings on the studio lot. While trade shows like Locations Expo are popular and serve a purpose for some film commissions it is important to remember that most decisions get made in production offices, not in convention center halls.

How to improve your locations

Location Library: The purpose of the location library is to show producers the variety of available filming sites in your town. Each individual site should be treated to a panoramic view of the venue at one shot. Photograph the area to reflect how the production company would actually see it, and keep your file current. Update the photographs to reflect changes to the location. Keep a photographer on standby to provide a rapid response to any request for sites not already in your photo library.

Production Handbook: Typically, this is developed through establishment of a database, which is organized by categories of potential locations, crew, and vendors including equipment rentals or prop houses, and other ancillary businesses like lumberyards and stationery stores. This can be particularly crucial when promoting local opportunities – you want to encourage use of local products and services, rather than everything simply being brought from your area.

Website: Many organisations are developing sections of their website focused on production services, including a location library and production handbook. Have a website that can be used to promote your area. The advantage of placing information on the website is the savings in paper and postage and the ability of production professionals to access and print these materials at their convenience.

The writer is a chartered marketer and a film industry professional and can be reached at timothy.owase@gmail.com

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