Additional resources to use
MA Film Office
The state film office has a wealth of resources and knowledge for filming anywhere in Massachusetts, including Boston. They maintain a list of regulations, unions, guilds, related agencies, and more. You’ll also find a breakdown of the state’s tax incentives for filming large productions in MA — though these only kick in for productions that spend more than $50,000. You can also search for additional crew and support services through their website. During pre-production, take a look at the website’s information.
Boston’s Department of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
Before filming in the city, you’ll need to acquire proper permits. If you aren’t working with a location scout who will help you with this, then the best place to start is the city’s department that handles all permits. They can suggest locations, and the film bureau can assist with other services as well. They’ll help you with location research and scouting; refer you to support and crew/talent; work with the government, production companies, and private sector on your behalf; assist you in securing permits to film in public areas; and make arrangements with the police department for barricading streets and traffic control.
Take advantage of social media
Social media is a great tool to use to find production assistance, especially if you are not working on a large-budget project with a big crew. LinkedIn is a great place to start, as you can compare resumes of professionals and find a scout who is experienced. With Instagram, you’ll get a good visual insight into how various location scouts see the world, which can be useful when matching the tone you want to achieve for your production with the spaces available to shoot in. Finally, Twitter lets you engage directly with location scouts, as well as see the sorts of work they’re sharing and promoting. Twitter is also exceptionally easy to search, which makes finding people on there a breeze.
Boston is a great city for filmmakers, especially considering its rich history, many shooting locations, and ample talent for hire. Bringing your film to life is easy in a city with so many resources available. If you’re acting as your own location scout and willing to buckle down and do the work, definitely start with Peerspace — odds are good you’ll find everything you need and more with one of our excellent hosts. This takes away the stress and uncertainty out of finding a location and lets you focus on what matters most to you: making your production.
If you need a location scout, there are plenty of people who can help you find what you need and navigate the local regulations. Many location scouts in Boston have decades of experience and connections, so take advantage of their knowledge and skills.
