hello all. i just finished my junior year studying architecture at tulane. my plan is to try working in an art department after graduation and i've been making shorts since high school. i'm just starting to take things more seriously and have a few questions for those of you who have been doing this longer. first, i was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for getting the use of locations for free. i dont really have any budget so i've got to weasel my way into as many spots as possible and am looking for suggestions. also, i always seem to have more parts than capable actors, any recommendations there? thanks.

As far as locations go, that's kind of a do-it-yourself lesson. Some places, such as mom and pop resraunts and gas stations will prolly let you film there for a slot in the credits and a few decent outdoor shots for promotional purposes. However try and avoid corperate areas, for they will have to keep relaying your request up their superficial chain of command which could take weeks, if they even respond at all. And they almost always have wanted money. You can try, but you'll just have to use your persuasive skills. Especially if you film in a a large place such as a mall.
As far as actors go....if you can't get friends, try going to the local drama club or theatre and getting a few of them to play the parts for lunch or something. But the shakespearians are.....a different kind of people. Good luck.

I just thought I'd give you the second opinion.

He's right. Corporate is rarely the way to go. They come up with all sorts of big words like "trademark symbol" or "copyright infringement" that people like us would rather not deal with. Stick to mom and pop's places, or places where your friends work. My motto is that if Home Depot doesn't know it's on camera then it can't complain, right?

Actors? Good luck. I still have that same problem. Hit up your college campuses' theater departments and pray for the best, but as he already said, they're a different breed. Theater actors tend to overact since on stage they have to perform for the person in the very back row. Film is a much more subtle form of acting. But at least they're coachable.

Good luck! I hope your passion takes you far!

thanks a bunch guys, i appreciate the suggestions.