I love a good location to film at. Last year we shot in the Iowa State Capitol for the primaries and I was in heaven. A few weeks ago, we shot a short film at an isolated farm house with a little pond. At night I slept in a tent outside and we worked until exhausted. Again, in heaven. A location can play as big of role as the actor. The hotel in The Shining is a good example. There is probably some official term for this, but I am too lazy to google it.
Feeling a little creeped out?
We were recently in Salina Kansas for my parents surprise 49th anniversary party (different story). My dad was a lifelong Shriner and spent many years as the association’s Recorder. Because of this connection, we thew the party at the Masonic templethere in town. I had been in the building several times but it had been many years. I was blown away by how majestic the building is, and dad offered to give us a full tour. As we explored, I realized it was a perfect location to shoot, not sure what, but I felt an urgent need to create some sort of excuse to film in that building.
To learn more about the building, go to http://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/architectureresults.php?id=62
The real gem of the building, in my opinion, is the 1,200 seat theater in the center. It has over 80 hand painted backdrops that can be flown in from a pulley system.
Stage without any backdrops.
Me testing out the rope and pulley system. I was again in heaven.
This is a side view of a backdrop, notice the vintage lighting as well, all still fully functional.
One of the setups we made up, 4 layers deep
My dad telling the story of the building. He belongs on stage.
One of the over 80 hand painted backdrops, I think it depicts hell, or Wal-mart, I am not sure which.
Back corner of the theater.
Another good example of this amazing location.
The more we explored, the more we found. Behind the stage is a full barber shop.
A different lobby with some pretty awesome chairs.
I have become acquainted with a band out of Lawrence called Olassa. From their bio on Reverb nation, “We are a three piece indie folk/americana band. Featuring three part harmonies, accordion, guitars, tuba, trumpet, upright bass, keys, micro organ and drums.” I believe this band and the location are a perfect fit. We are planning to shoot in early February. Go to thier page at http://www.reverbnation.com/olassa. We are thinking at this point of using the song “Where will I live”. The plan is to raise and lower the backdrops throughout the course of the song. I am very excited and yes, I am a geek.
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