hello. In my next film one of my locations will be in a video store. I would like to know if anyone else hase filmed in a video store and how there experience went. how long did it take to shoot? how did you get permission? was there enough lighting? any horror stories?
thanks
Fab 4 Films
fab4films@yahoo.com

Just ask the manager and you should be fine. Unless you want really dramatic lighting, you shouldn't have a problem with lights; stores are generally pretty well-lit.

Yeah a friend of mine did. Your best bet would be to find a smaller independent (In otherwords, not Blockbuster) and see if they will let you. Quite often smaller video chain owners have the bizz because they love movies. That is unless its one of those "We have four movies up front but we are realy just open to rent porn" video stores. Just ask, the worst that can happen is they say no.

As to lighting you should always do some on your own. Bring something small and portable (like clamp lamps, and bounce boards.) If time is a factor keep it simple. Good luck.
R. Michael

thanks for the imput its well needed. i will keep you posted on how the shoot goes (if there is a shoot).
Fab 4 Films

I used to work at Blockbuster. The people that work at Blockbuster try to do everything to make the customer happy.

If you go in on an extremely UN-busy night, I'm sure they won't mind. Like maybe a wednesday afternoon. Nobody comes in on wednesday afternoons.

Plus, since they're "in the movie business" (he he, that's actually what they think, isn't that silly) they might actually be kind of excited about it.

Either that or they'll say no and you're screwed.

and there are like a million video stores, so just keep trying more if they say no! SOMEONE will let you film. it's a fact

I used to work at BLockbuster as well. They should let you do it in their store if there aren't any customers about. I definetly think a smaller video store would be a safer bet, though.

I tried 2 blockbusters and a Dierbergs and was turned down, but some young guy who was working at the small shnucks video store let us film. I took a nice amount of time to finish the scene but he was great about it. With that in mind i'd like to give a shot out to DELL at the shunucks video store in st.louis mo!!

Family Video has to get approval from their main office before you film in their store.....