When movie companies go out to film in the desert, and of course, build their sets out there (many of which I've noticed are left to rot in the California heat), do they do this on leased/bought land, or is there a type of permission one must get to do this from the local government? How would a student film-maker go about getting some land to build a set on out in the desert?

-Die Kittybirg

Stop filming me!

I don't know that answer either, but if I needed land in NC, I would go to the NC Film Commission and ask for their assistance. I would assume that CAL has an equivalent organization also.

Good luck.

Mark M
Scooter Productions

Yeah, you would need to contact your local film commission (or one around the dessert in question) and speak to them. I know the paramount ranch in Cali lets kids shoot on it, when there is no productions, but you have to have a parent for every person under 18.

N.C. for example charges nothing for permits on state, or government property. Cali may do something similar (especially out in the dessert.) The other option is to try and find one of those decaying sets out there, and use them (or build off them) Good luck.
R. Michael

"Luck, is when opportunity, meets preperation." "There are 3 sides to every story. Yours, mine, and the truth, and none of us are lying" -Robert Evans