Line Producing a Mini-Series… Using my House as a Filming Location

They say you live and you learn, and boy, did I learn a big lesson recently. As a line producer for a TV mini-series, I’m used to solving problems, managing budgets, and keeping things running smoothly. But when I offered my own house as a filming location for one day of shooting, I quickly realized I might have bitten off more than I could chew. Here’s the story of what went down, the chaos that ensued, and the valuable lessons I’ll never forget.

It all started with a location crisis. We were scrambling to find the perfect spot for a key scene in the mini-series, and time was running out. In a moment of (questionable) inspiration, I thought, “Why not use my house? It’s available, it fits the vibe, and it’ll save us money!”

At the time, it seemed like a win-win. I’d be helping the production, saving the budget, and contributing to the creative vision. What could possibly go wrong?

Oh, how naive I was. The day of the shoot arrived, and with it came a whirlwind of activity.

My living room furniture was rearranged (and slightly damaged) to make room for the set design. Let’s just say my lights will never be the same.

Once the crew packed up and left, I was left with the aftermath. Cleaning up took hours, and I found random pieces of equipment, snack wrappers, and coffee cups in places I didn’t even know existed. Even blood was smeared on my walls.

Offering my house as a filming location was a classic case of “live and learn.” While it was chaotic and stressful, it also gave me a newfound respect for location managers and the challenges they face. Would I do it again? Probably not. But I’ll always look back on this experience with a mix of laughter and relief.

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