Have you ever wondered how some of the biggest movies and TV shows filmed in Georgia find their unique and picturesque locations? The answer might be closer to home than you think—literally! If you own a property in Georgia, whether it’s a home, business, or other building, you can submit it to be considered as a filming location. Here’s how you can get your property listed and potentially see it on the big screen.
Why List Your Property?
Georgia is a hotspot for film and television production, with its diverse landscapes and architectural styles making it a favorite for location scouts. By listing your property, you open the door to exciting opportunities, including potential financial compensation and the unique experience of seeing your property featured in a production. You can register your property with the Georgia Film Commission for productions to see and possibly pick to be used as a filming location.
Step 1: Ensure You Meet the Requirements
Before submitting your property, you need to ensure you meet the Georgia Film Commission’s requirements:
- Ownership or Permission: You must either be the owner of the property or have explicit permission from the owner to lease the property for production. If you’re not the actual owner but have the authority to approve filming, make sure this is clear when submitting your property.
- Property Condition: Properties currently for sale or undergoing drastic remodeling should not be submitted until they are in their final condition. This ensures that the property presented to scouts is the one they’ll actually have available for filming.
Step 2: Prepare Your Photos
High-quality photos are crucial for getting your property noticed by location scouts. The Georgia Film Commission has specific guidelines for photo submissions:
- Quantity and Variety: Locations submitted with just one photo will not be accepted. You need to send multiple photos that provide a comprehensive overview of the property. This should include wide shots of both the exterior and interior, as well as any unique features like a pool, barn, or garden.
- Interior and Exterior Shots: If you’re submitting a building, include both interior and exterior photos. If interior shooting is not allowed, be sure to note this in the “usage restriction” field.
- Quality Specifications: Submit large, monitor-quality photos. The recommended specifications are:
- Resolution: 1280 x 1024 pixels
- DPI: 144-150
- File Size: 200KB to 1MB
- JPEG Compression: 7 (good quality)
- Physical Size: 8.5” x 11”
- Proper Presentation: Ensure your photos are properly rotated and free from any imperfections. Avoid submitting old, dark, poorly focused photos or those taken in inclement weather such as rain, fog, or snow. Staged photos highlighting people, pets, or objects are also not recommended.
Step 3: Submit Your Property
Once your photos are ready, it’s time to submit them via the Georgia Film Commission’s location submission form. Keep in mind:
- Submit All Photos at Once: You won’t be able to edit your listing after submission, so make sure to submit all photos at one time.
- No Videos or Brochures: Only submit photos of the actual locations. Do not include video clips, renderings, or brochures, as these will not be accepted.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
After you’ve submitted your property, the Georgia Film Commission staff will review your photos. If your submission meets all the guidelines, your property will be added to their publicly viewable location database. This database is regularly accessed by location scouts looking for the perfect spot for their next project.
What Happens Next?
If a production company is interested in your property, they will contact you directly to discuss further details, including terms of use and compensation. Remember, being listed doesn’t guarantee selection, but it does put your property in front of decision-makers in the industry.
Listing your property as a filming location is a great way to showcase its unique features and potentially participate in the vibrant film industry in Georgia. Follow these steps, and who knows? Your property might just be the next star on screen!
For more detailed information and to submit your property, visit the Georgia Film Commission’s official website.
