Location, Location, Location

Now one of the hardest parts of producing an independent film with an ultra-low budget is finding cheap locations to film. For our film, we even used Edwin and Jaime’s home as a set (their HOA was not happy about that one). And in Los Angeles, there is an organization that we will not name, that aids the permit process for filming outdoors within the city. And this organization is NOT friendly to independent film. For one thing, they demanded payment in cashier’s checks for films with our sort of budget. Which meant a trip to the bank every time. And they had to have their money within a certain amount of time OR ELSE! And never mind that their office is located in one of the most congested parts of the city. IT MUST BE THERE BY 6. Jaime handled most of the money. Now mind you, Jaime was working full time as an elementary school teacher while also working full time as a producer. She took off days once a week, and was on set every day after work and on weekends. On the day that this organization demanded their money, Jaime got off work at 3, drove from the Westside to Hollywood during rush hour, found a bank, waited in line, got the cashiers check, and then literally ran her pregnant self 2 blocks to the correct building to get it in just before close. And now we understand why people film without permits.