Filming Locally: The Benefits of Showcasing Your Hometown

Have you ever watched a movie and thought, "Hey, I know that place!" There's a certain magic that happens when you recognize a familiar street, building, or park on the big screen. But what if that place was your hometown? In this post, we'll explore the myriad benefits of filming locally, drawing inspiration from filmmaker Ben Getz's experience creating 'Gothic Slayers' in Havre de Grace, Maryland. From significant cost savings to the invaluable opportunity to showcase local talent and landmarks, we'll delve into why choosing your own backyard can be a game-changer for independent filmmakers. This post expands on the discussion I had with Ben on the latest episode of my podcast. If you haven't already, be sure to check out the episode From Havre de Grace to Hollywood: Ben Getz on Gothic Slayers for an even deeper dive into Ben's journey.

Introduction: Discovering the Magic in Your Own Backyard

The allure of Hollywood, with its sprawling studios and iconic backdrops, is undeniable. But what if the perfect filming location was much closer to home? In recent years, a growing number of filmmakers have discovered the untapped potential of their own communities, transforming local streets, buildings, and landscapes into cinematic gold. This approach not only offers practical advantages like cost savings and logistical ease, but also allows for a unique and authentic storytelling experience. By embracing the charm and character of their hometowns, filmmakers can create truly memorable and resonant films that connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Think about it – every town, no matter how small, has its own unique story to tell. Its history, its people, its distinctive architecture, and its hidden gems all contribute to a rich tapestry that can be woven into a compelling narrative. Filming locally allows filmmakers to tap into this rich vein of inspiration, bringing a sense of authenticity and familiarity to their work that is often missing in films shot in more generic or contrived settings.

The Story Behind 'Gothic Slayers' and Havre de Grace

'Gothic Slayers' is a horror-comedy film written and directed by Ben Getz. Ben made the deliberate choice to film 'Gothic Slayers' in his hometown of Havre de Grace, Maryland. Havre de Grace, situated at the mouth of the Susquehanna River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay, provided a unique and atmospheric backdrop for his film. The town's historic architecture, charming streets, and scenic waterfront offered a distinctive visual palette that perfectly complemented the film's quirky and offbeat tone.

But the decision to film in Havre de Grace was more than just an aesthetic one. Ben recognized that his hometown offered a number of practical advantages that would be crucial to the success of his low-budget indie film. Access to local resources, a supportive community, and a deep personal connection to the location all played a significant role in shaping the film's identity and its ultimate success. He discusses this at length in the podcast episode that inspired this article.

Cost Savings: Why Local Filming Makes Financial Sense

One of the most compelling arguments for filming locally is the potential for significant cost savings. For independent filmmakers operating on limited budgets, every dollar counts. Filming in your own community can dramatically reduce expenses related to travel, accommodation, and location fees. Let's break down some of the key areas where local filming can help you save money:

• Travel and Accommodation: Transporting cast and crew to distant locations can be a major expense. By filming locally, you can eliminate or significantly reduce these costs. You and your team can stay in their own homes, avoiding expensive hotel bills and per diems.
• Location Fees: Securing permits and paying location fees in major cities or popular filming destinations can be costly. In smaller towns and communities, you may be able to secure locations for free or at a reduced rate, especially if you're offering to showcase local landmarks or businesses.
• Transportation: Renting vehicles and transporting equipment can also add up quickly. Filming locally allows you to utilize your own vehicles and potentially borrow or rent equipment from local sources, reducing transportation costs.
• Catering: Feeding a film crew can be a significant expense. By partnering with local restaurants or catering services, you can often negotiate favorable rates and support local businesses at the same time.

Ben Getz found that filming in Havre de Grace significantly lowered his production costs, allowing him to allocate more resources to other areas of the film, such as special effects and post-production. This financial flexibility was crucial to bringing his creative vision to life without breaking the bank.

Showcasing Local Talent: Building a Community On and Off Screen

Filming locally isn't just about saving money; it's also about building a community and providing opportunities for local talent. Every town has a pool of actors, crew members, and other creative individuals who are eager to contribute to a film project. By tapping into this local talent pool, you can create a more authentic and collaborative filmmaking experience.

Here are some of the benefits of showcasing local talent:

• Authenticity: Local actors can bring a unique authenticity to their roles, drawing on their personal experiences and knowledge of the community.
• Enthusiasm: Local talent is often incredibly enthusiastic and passionate about participating in a film project in their hometown.
• Networking: Filming locally provides valuable networking opportunities for both you and your local collaborators, potentially leading to future collaborations and career advancements.
• Community Support: Involving local talent can generate strong community support for your film, which can be invaluable for fundraising, promotion, and distribution.

Ben Getz actively sought out local actors and crew members for 'Gothic Slayers,' creating a strong sense of camaraderie and collaboration on set. This not only enriched the filmmaking experience but also helped to foster a sense of pride and ownership within the community.

Highlighting Local Landmarks: Turning Your Town into a Star

One of the most exciting aspects of filming locally is the opportunity to showcase local landmarks and attractions. By featuring recognizable locations in your film, you can turn your town into a star and attract visitors who are curious to see the places they saw on screen. This can have a significant economic impact on the community, boosting tourism and generating revenue for local businesses.

Think about iconic films like 'Rocky' (Philadelphia), 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' (Chicago), or 'When Harry Met Sally' (New York City). These films have not only entertained audiences but have also immortalized their respective cities, drawing countless visitors who want to experience the places they saw on screen.

Ben Getz made a conscious effort to feature prominent landmarks in Havre de Grace in 'Gothic Slayers,' including Churchill Mini Golf and the Arctic Circle ice cream shop. By showcasing these local gems, he not only added visual interest to the film but also helped to promote the town and its unique character. He mentions that the owners of the locations were thrilled to be included in the film, which further cemented the relationship between the production and the community.

Challenges and Rewards of Filming Locally

While filming locally offers numerous advantages, it's important to acknowledge that it also presents certain challenges. Limited resources, unfamiliarity with local regulations, and potential resistance from the community are just some of the obstacles that filmmakers may encounter.

Here are some common challenges and strategies for overcoming them:

• Limited Resources: Local communities may not have the same level of resources and infrastructure as major film production hubs. To overcome this, you may need to be creative in sourcing equipment, securing locations, and finding skilled crew members.
• Local Regulations: Navigating local permits, ordinances, and regulations can be a complex and time-consuming process. It's important to research local laws and regulations thoroughly and work closely with local officials to ensure compliance.
• Community Resistance: Some residents may be wary of having a film crew descend upon their town, especially if they're concerned about noise, traffic, or disruption to their daily lives. To address these concerns, it's important to communicate openly and transparently with the community, address their concerns, and involve them in the filmmaking process whenever possible.

Despite these challenges, the rewards of filming locally far outweigh the risks. The opportunity to save money, showcase local talent, highlight local landmarks, and build a strong connection with the community makes it a worthwhile endeavor for any filmmaker.

Ben Getz's Journey: From Local Theater to Indie Filmmaking

Ben Getz's journey from local theater enthusiast to indie filmmaker is an inspiring example of how passion, perseverance, and a commitment to community can lead to creative success. Growing up in Havre de Grace, Ben developed a love for theater and performance at a young age. He participated in local productions, honing his acting skills and learning the ropes of stagecraft.

After studying theater at NYU, Ben remained in New York to pursue acting and writing. However, he never forgot his roots in Havre de Grace and always dreamed of bringing his creative talents back to his hometown. With 'Gothic Slayers,' he was able to realize that dream, creating a film that not only showcased his artistic vision but also celebrated the town and the people that had shaped him.

Ben's story is a testament to the power of local filmmaking and the potential for anyone, regardless of their background or resources, to create compelling and meaningful films that resonate with audiences around the world.

Resources: Dive Deeper into 'Gothic Slayers' and Local Gems

Want to learn more about 'Gothic Slayers' and the charming town of Havre de Grace? Here are some resources to explore:

• 'Gothic Slayers' Website: Visit the official website (https://www.gothicslayers.com/) to watch the trailer, view behind-the-scenes photos, and learn more about the film. The film is available on Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube Movies.
• Ballyhoo Music: Two songs from Ballyhoo Music (https://ballyhoorocks.com/) are featured in the movie.
• Havre de Grace Tourism Website: Explore the official tourism website to discover more about the town's history, attractions, and events.
• Ben Getz's Instagram: Follow Ben Getz on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/bennyandthegetz) for updates on his latest projects.
• Elite Power Washing: Check out Elite Power Washing, the sponsor of the podcast episode that inspired this article.

These resources will provide you with a wealth of information about 'Gothic Slayers,' Havre de Grace, and the world of local filmmaking.

Embrace the Potential of Your Hometown

Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned veteran, or simply someone who loves movies, I hope this blog post has inspired you to consider the potential of your own hometown as a filming location. By embracing the unique charm, character, and talent of your community, you can create films that are not only visually stunning and emotionally resonant but also contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of your town.

So, the next time you're brainstorming ideas for your next film project, take a closer look at your own backyard. You might be surprised at what you discover. Listen to Ben's episode to hear first-hand the joys and challenges of filming in your hometown. You can find it here: From Havre de Grace to Hollywood: Ben Getz on Gothic Slayers. Who knows, your hometown might just be the next Hollywood!