Buying land without an agent

[ncdrifter]

You might inquire if the state of VA has a film office to see if they offer any subsidies for making films in Va Or for that matter tax reductions . Like NC used to have but lost and the industry left for another state , I think.

[PhillyB]

@Anybodyhome I emailed Dan Witt a few days ago, he asked for plats so I sent them over. Still waiting to hear back on that.

@Paa Langfart and @Khyber53 good looking out. I'm going to do my damnedest to leverage the film subject into good grace with local business owners. It's a WWII film and everybody loves those - furthermore, it's the first film to ever (to my knowledge at least) build a full-scale B-17 from scratch. They're iconic planes and WWII geeks will pile on to help out in any way they can, as will, I suspect, and REALLY hope, business owners whose dad or grandfather flew with the 8th air force over Germany or something.

I am going to try to exchange timber for a company to come in and help me do a little grading (and take care of that entrance, which my truck won't currently get through, even with a lift kit.) I am also going to see if I can get material donations in exchange for film credits - ideally, enough construction material to build a barn, the B-17, some cement for a pad, maybe a shitty 12' enclosed trailer if anyone's feeling generous. Until I have studios slinging me tens of millions of dollars I'm going to have to pony up equal-value substitutes to get the look I want, so I'll be relying heavily on local sweat equity.

People, I have found, are more than eager to latch onto projects like these because they're utterly unique, inherently cool, and pay homage to something rarely seen in cinema.

[Anybodyhome]

The Virginia Film Office:

http://www.film.virginia.org/

The Virginia Film Office is dedicated to the art and business of filmmaking. We connect clients with amazing locations, resources and creative solutions for projects of all types and sizes. From the infancy of an idea, to the emotional goodbye at the wrap party—we are your production partner throughout the entire process. The VFO is proud to be recognized as one of the most knowledgeable, effective and helpful film commissions, worldwide.

And, hey!, not too far up the road is where "What About Bob?" was filmed. Moneta, VA @ Smith Mountain Lake.

[Khyber53]

2 hours ago, PhillyB said:

@Anybodyhome I emailed Dan Witt a few days ago, he asked for plats so I sent them over. Still waiting to hear back on that.

@Paa Langfart and @Khyber53 good looking out. I'm going to do my damnedest to leverage the film subject into good grace with local business owners. It's a WWII film and everybody loves those - furthermore, it's the first film to ever (to my knowledge at least) build a full-scale B-17 from scratch. They're iconic planes and WWII geeks will pile on to help out in any way they can, as will, I suspect, and REALLY hope, business owners whose dad or grandfather flew with the 8th air force over Germany or something.

I am going to try to exchange timber for a company to come in and help me do a little grading (and take care of that entrance, which my truck won't currently get through, even with a lift kit.) I am also going to see if I can get material donations in exchange for film credits - ideally, enough construction material to build a barn, the B-17, some cement for a pad, maybe a shitty 12' enclosed trailer if anyone's feeling generous. Until I have studios slinging me tens of millions of dollars I'm going to have to pony up equal-value substitutes to get the look I want, so I'll be relying heavily on local sweat equity.

People, I have found, are more than eager to latch onto projects like these because they're utterly unique, inherently cool, and pay homage to something rarely seen in cinema.

Head over to the local  VFW and speak with their chapter leader about getting some technical advice from some of the WW2 soldiers still around. And see if he has anyone who'd like to be an on set tech adviser... Could get you some good help out there and it might become one of those "Well, I've got a tractor... and I've got some old framing timbers... and I have these old uniforms..." kind of thing develops.

Good luck, man. I believe in ya!

 

[PhillyB]

9 minutes ago, Khyber53 said:

Head over to the local  VFW and speak with their chapter leader about getting some technical advice from some of the WW2 soldiers still around. And see if he has anyone who'd like to be an on set tech adviser... Could get you some good help out there and it might become one of those "Well, I've got a tractor... and I've got some old framing timbers... and I have these old uniforms..." kind of thing develops.

Good luck, man. I believe in ya!

 

great idea. i intend to hit all the old boys' clubs - lion's club and all that are still chugging away in some of these rural areas. i'm trying to get a couple hundred grand of on-screen production value out of this acquisition and it won't happen without the random guys with tractors and a free afternoon.

[Snake]

Short answer no but the long answer is its wise and easier to use a broker. Because VA is a commonwealth be ready to jump though more hoops too because they usually have really old wonky laws. Also a good agent should know a good lawyer to help with permits and zoning.