Lights, Cameras, Condos– Film Productions in HOAs
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Have you ever wondered if you recognize that stunning condo or picturesque community you see in a movie or TV? Take It To The Board host Donna DiMaggio Berger and Christina Labuzetta, owner of Location Resources and member of the Location Managers Guild International, pull back the curtain on the fascinating world of location scouting for private residences and communities.
For association boards and homeowners contemplating this unique revenue opportunity, Donna and Christina walk through the entire process: from initial scouting photos to contracts, logistics, and the potential earnings. They address common concerns about property protection, revealing how professional crews use protective materials and detailed documentation to ensure everything returns to its original state—their goal being to make it look “like we were never there.”
From CSI Miami to Vogue Magazine and sourcing locations for Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” Christina shares insider knowledge about what makes properties stand out to production companies. The perfect filming location isn’t always about luxury or grandeur—sometimes it’s the mid-century modern charm of a modest apartment complex like the one featured in “Dexter” that captures a filmmaker’s imagination.
Beyond the financial incentives, there’s the undeniable prestige that comes with seeing your property featured in popular media. As Christina notes, it becomes “the cocktail party factor”—something residents can point to with pride and interest for years to come.
Whether you’re a board member or manager looking for alternative revenue sources for your community, a property owner curious about monetizing your space, or you are simply fascinated by film production, this episode offers valuable insights into what happens when Hollywood comes knocking.
Conversation Highlights Include:
- Types of productions that typically use private residences and buildings-you’d be surprised how many are out there
- What features or amenities make a property stand out to location scouts? It’s not just luxury communities that are of interest to a film crew
- A step-by-step look at how a building can begin the process of becoming a potential filming location
- How much control homeowners have in accepting or denying film offers
- Unique challenges of getting filming approved inside community associations, especially where commercial use is restricted
- Navigating the approval process with boards, managers, and residents—addressing concerns about privacy, security, and disruption
- Beyond revenue: additional benefits of filming on-site, including brand enhancement
- Common risks and potential drawbacks boards should consider before agreeing to host a production
- Christina’s top advice for associations or homeowners approached for a shoot for the first time.
Bonus Fact: Christina sourced the location where Dexter lived-a cool mid-century modern apartment building in Miami
Locations Sourced by Christina:
- Bad Boys: Ride or Die” promo aired during the NBA final
- Rob Riggle, Pitbull throw epic Super Bowl party | FOX NFL
- 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer TV Spot, ‘Drove All Night’ Featuring Derek Jeter, Hannah Jeter T2
- Listing your Property: Location Resources Website
- Dexter Apartment: Screen Icons: The Members Only Residence ‘Where a Serial Killer Lived’
About Take It To The Board
Think you know what community association life is all about? Think again. Residents must obey the rules, directors must follow the law, and managers must keep it all running smoothly. Take It To The Board explores the reality of life in a condominium, cooperative or homeowners’ association, what’s really involved in serving on its board, and how to maintain that ever-so-delicate balance of being legally compliant and community spirited. Leading community association attorney Donna DiMaggio Berger acknowledges the balancing act without losing her sense of humor as she talks with a variety of association leaders, experts, and vendors about the challenges and benefits of the community association lifestyle.
If you’ve got a question, Take It To The Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger – We Speak Condo & HOA!
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