I was in my office in the house last summer working on the 4th edition of
The Owner-Builder Book when a young man came to the door with a flyer. He
handed it to me and waited expectantly while I read:
“FEATURE FILM TO BE MADE LOCALLY”
“Dear Homeowner:
The Locations Department for Together Again for the First Time, a
feature film about a family who is reunited at Christmastime has chosen
your home as a possible candidate for the film’s principal location, the
Frobisher family home. We love the style and design of your home, and
would like to hear back from you if you are interested in participating in this
project. First, let us give you some more details:
What we need:
An American-style home with two bedrooms or more
When we would need the home:
Three to four weeks from June 26 – July 22
6 days a week (no Sundays)
What we could offer you:
- Monetary compensation
- An insured production and crew
- The owners’ name in the credits
- Parts in the film as extras
- Being involved in the process of major motion picture
filmmaking
- Opening your home to experienced and professional actors."
I felt a flutter of owner-builder pride, but dismissed it upon realizing that this
was a flyer brought to more than one house in the neighborhood. I said, “I
doubt you want my house.” He said that it actually seemed to fit the criteria
and ask if he could take a look. I asked him what he was looking for, and he
said, “A great room with high ceilings, a breakfast nook, a traditional look, and
a grand staircase.”
We showed him in, and he took a look around...
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