Frequently Asked Questions
for Locals

What is an extra?
Extras are the people hired to fill out a set to make a scene more realistic.  They are the audience at a basketball game, the pedestrians on the street, or the patrons at a restaurant. Extras do not speak, but provide visual realism to a scene.

How do I get work as an extra?
It's easy! You can find out here.

How do I get started in the film industry?
To get started as "crew" behind the camera, or as "talent" in front of the camera, click here.

How do I list my property as a Location for filming?
If you would like your home, business, historic property, etc, listed as a potential location for filming, do the following:

1. Take 5-20 pictures of your property, of the exterior(the back, front, sides, etc), the interiors (the rooms, bathrooms, porches, etc) and the grounds (lawn, pool, statue, anything interest, etc). If the photos aren't taken with care, they will not be listed.
2. Write a one paragraph description, focusing on the physical attractions of the property. Try to limit intangible historical details
3. Email the photos, description and contact info to be listed to kagunnell@cityofno.com.  You may need to send the photos a few at a time if they are large files.

How do I list my house/apartment as Housing for film crew?
Under "For Locals" click "Get Listed" and fill out the application. Your "Company Name" should be the street address of the house/apartment for rent.  Be sure to include your contact information and a link to pictures of the property.  If this is your first time renting to the film industry, keep the following in mind:

• Leases will be short term. Rather than a standard 6-12 month lease, films will look to lease for less time.  Usually somewhere between 2-4 months.
• "Turnkey" properties are the most attractive. Films have to find housing up to 100 people for three months in a very short period of time.  Offering a "turnkey" property means that the price includes everything, a furnished apartment with all utilities included (Internet is optional, but a HUGE plus).  Even if the price is higher, this is preferable because the entire cost is known up front, and the hassle of setting up utilities and renting furniture for 50 people is avoided.
• Pictures sell your property. Including a link in the description to several pictures of your property let films know a lot!

Can you tell me where [insert movie here] is filming?
Unfortunately, we cannot. The Office of Film & Video is bound by confidentiality agreements that prevent us from releasing this type of information.

Where do I go to voice my concerns over filming?
Every film has a Locations department whose specific job is to be the liaison (the "go-between") between the film production and the community. So, if you are a citizen or local business with reasonable concerns about a production shooting in your immediate vicinity:

• The first place you go is the Locations Manager.  If the film is still shooting close by, find a crew member with a radio and politely and calmly ask them to radio for someone in Locations. Please keep in mind that Locations people are people too, and will probably respond in the same manner you approach them. Even if it is a matter of safety or legality, the Locations department will always be in close contact with Security or Police Officers.
• Additionally, you may call or contact the Office of Film & Video by email at kagunnell@cityofno.com or by phone at 504.658.4341.  If you contact our office and have not yet spoken with the Locations Manager, we will put you in touch with him or her.  If you have already spoken with the Locations Manager, we will be happy to speak with you.
• If you are concerned about filming in your area in general (not a specific issue), then please contact your local Neighborhood Association or other appropriate community organization.  We are in regular contact with MANY local neighborhood and professional organizations, and regularly email notifications to these entities when their constituents are affected.  If your organization would like to be notified, have your representative call or email our office at kagunnell@cityofno.com or 504.658.4341.

How can I connect my business to films coming into New Orleans?
If you are a local business with something to offer the film industry, you may list your business on our website by clicking here.  Please include as much information as you can, including a contact name (if applicable), a description of goods or services, etc. YOU MUST CHOOSE ONE OR MORE CATEGORIES, OR YOU WILL NOT BE LISTED!

How can I avoid being stuck in traffic because of film?!
We disseminate film-related street closures and other film activity affecting traffic to the Times-Picayune and to local news sources on a weekly basis.  Read Mike Scott's Movie Blog every Saturday in the Times-Picayune, or at blog.nola.com/mikescott. Watch WWL-TV Traffic Reporter Krystal Boothe for daily traffic updates.

Are there film tours for tourists?
You should start one!

How can I get in contact with an actor/director/producer about supporting my organization?
When famous actors, directors and producers are in town, they are working very long hours.  This is not an excuse made by our office or those famous individuals, it is the truth.  They are working 12-18 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. Asking them to take time out of work or rest is a very imposing request. DO NOT just show up on set and try to meet an actor. If you are interested in formally requesting something, contact the Office of Film & Video by email at kagunnell@cityofno.com to go through the proper channels.

How can I get an interview with a specific actor/director/producer?
Actors, directors, and producers are EXTREMELY busy when shooting on location in New Orleans.  If you are a member of the media seeking an interview, you may contact the Office of Film & Video by email at kagunnell@cityofno.com or call 504.658.4341 to go through the proper channels.

Does the Office of Film & Video produce movies?
No. The Office of Film & Video is not involved in financing in any way.

Can the Office of Film & Video get my script to producers/actors/directors?
No.  This is beyond the scope of services that the Office of Film & Video is able to provide.

Can the Office of Film & Video get me an agent?
No.  For more on getting started as "talent," click here.

I have everything needed to make a movie! Actors! Locations! The Script! A Bela Lugosi Impersonator! Now all I need is financing, and that's where you come in! How can the Office of Film & Video help me?
This is beyond the scope of services that the Office of Film & Video is able to provide. Sorry, we cannot help you.

What if I have questions not answered here?
Direct additional questions to kagunnell@cityofno.com.