Tag: production services

Mastering the Film Production Tech Scout

Posted on by Kent

Few pre‑production tasks carry as much weight as the film production tech scout. It has the power to make or break a production’s budget, schedule, and even the project itself. This stage is where your crew, top department heads and key stakeholders, dive into the “how” of filming: camera setups, lighting, sound, logistics, safety, power, and more.

While location scouting focuses on finding places that fit the story visually, the tech scout is the deep dive into the production itself. Every detail must be scrutinized, from where to place equipment and park trucks, to optimal shooting times and how the day’s schedule should flow.

While crew size can vary from one production to the next, there are a few key people who should always be part of a tech scout. This includes the Director, Director of Photography (DP), 1st Assistant Director (1st AD), Producer, Location Manager and key department heads such as Gaffer, Key Grip, Sound Mixer, and Production Designer. Each person brings a unique perspective to make sure the location supports the creative vision while also covering all the technical, logistical, and safety considerations.

Having a clear game plan on a tech scout makes it much easier to manage. A simple three-step approach keeps everyone on the same page and helps make sure nothing important slips through the cracks:

  • Crew Huddle: The Director sets the tone of the tech scout. Initial discussions focus on what’s being shot, what actions unfold, and what visuals are essential at each location.
  • Department Breakouts: From lighting to grip, sound to production everyone asks exactly what they need to make their job possible.
  • Team Debriefs and Checklists: The 1st AD, Production Manager, Location Manager, and G&E heads gather intel on permits, load‑ins, holding spaces, power access, and safety issues.

Many productions lean on a checklist of items to ensure nothing is overlooked. You can download the Tech Scout Checklist we use here.

Colorado Tech Scout

Tech Scout Considerations in Colorado

When planning a film production tech scout in Colorado, unique environmental and logistical factors come into play. To prevent costly delays and maintain crew safety, it’s important to carefully evaluate the following areas in advance.

Altitude & Weather Considerations

Many popular filming areas in the state (Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride, or Estes Park) sit at elevations above 7,000 feet. At these heights, the air is thinner, humidity is lower, and weather conditions can shift rapidly, all of which have direct implications on a shoot.

  • Crew Health: At high altitudes, the reduced oxygen level can lead to fatigue, dehydration, headaches, and in severe cases, altitude sickness. Identify shaded rest areas, designate hydration stations, and consider providing supplemental oxygen canisters for those who may be sensitive.
  • Weather Swings: You might scout in sunshine and shoot under a foot of snow within a week. Departments must prepare cold weather packages, padded cable solutions, and wind‑proof grip setups. Create plans for sheltering crew and gear during lightning or high wind events.
  • Equipment Performance: Generators may run less efficiently due to thinner air, requiring derating (i.e., reducing their maximum power output). Drones have reduced lift at elevation, which affects flight times and payload. Account for these factors when calculating power needs or aerial coverage.

Power & Logistics in Remote Areas

Remote locations in the mountains often present significant power challenges, as they typically lack access to reliable grid electricity or professional tie-in options.

  • Generators: Select the right type and number of generators based on your lighting and equipment load, planning fuel staging areas that are both accessible and environmentally safe, and calculating total cable runs to ensure proper distribution without voltage drop.
  • Terrain Limitations: Steep slopes or narrow roads may restrict vehicle access, requiring smaller, portable generators or extended cable lengths. Weather-proof enclosures can save the day when conditions change unexpectedly.

Permits & Seasonal Constraints

Colorado’s film permit ecosystem is well‑established but nuanced:

  • State parks, national forests, county roads: all require multi-level approvals. Permit turnaround can be up to 60 days.
  • Seasons change the game: Some roads close in winter; wildlife closures apply during certain months; noise ordinances shift with local schedules.
  • Environmental sensitivity: High alpine ecosystems demand protection. Route planning must avoid fragile flora and must include safety briefings and environmental drop‑zones.

A tech scout should have the Production Office and Location Manager meet with location owners, park rangers or State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO) to walk through every permit, closure point, or eco-sensitive zone.

Film Production Tech Scout Tips

To get the most out of your scout, it’s essential to think beyond equipment placement and location aesthetics. Here are a few key tips to help ensure your tech scout sets the stage for a smooth, successful production:

  • Back‑ups matter: Always identify alternate load-in routes, parking zones, and secondary shoot locations in case of last-minute issues like road closures, permit conflicts, or inclement weather.
  • Local hires = local knowledge: Crew with experience in the area can offer valuable insights on neighborhood dynamics, regional regulations, and logistical quirks that aren’t obvious at first glance.
  • Time-of-day matters: Lighting, shadows, and ambient noise can vary significantly depending on when you shoot. Scout at the same time of day you plan to film to accurately assess conditions and avoid surprises.
  • Crew comfort = efficiency: A comfortable, well-prepared crew is more productive. Plan for shade, hydration, weather protection, and realistic turnaround times to keep morale (and performance) high.

A tech scout isn’t just about logistics… it’s about setting your production up for success. Whether you’re filming in the heart of downtown or deep in the Colorado backcountry, the more prepared you are during the scout, the smoother and safer your shoot will be. Take the time to walk the space, ask the tough questions, and plan for the unexpected. Your client and crew will thank you.

Movie Mogul offers full-service support for both location scouting and tech scouting, ensuring your production runs smoothly from start to finish. Whether you’re shooting a commercial, documentary, or feature film, let us assist you on your next shoot. To get you started, download our Tech Scout Checklist here.

Why You Need a Fixer on Your Next Shoot

Posted on by Kent

No matter how experienced your production team is, shooting in an unfamiliar location comes with hidden challenges… from complex permitting to unpredictable logistics. That’s where a Fixer comes in. Acting as your on-the-ground problem-solver, a Fixer streamlines every aspect of production so you can focus on the creative.

You may have heard fixers referred to as Production Coordinators or Local Producers, but the term originated in international journalism. Traditionally, a Fixer was a local expert hired by foreign correspondents to handle logistics of a shoot. That meant everything from translation and transportation to securing access and arranging travel. In unfamiliar regions, Fixers were the “connection” that made reporting possible.

As documentary filmmaking and commercial production expanded globally, the Fixer role crossed over. Today, Fixers are a vital asset in film and television production, especially outside the U.S. They offer support at every stage of a production and are often the difference between a seamless experience and a chaotic production.

Fixers bring more than logistical support… they bring local insight. They understand regional traffic patterns, weather conditions, cultural expectations, and location-specific quirks that don’t show up on Google Maps. Through relationships established over time with crews, vendors, and permitting offices, Fixers allow productions to work efficiently and hit the ground running.

How Can a Fixer Help?

The best fixers have deep local knowledge and strong industry connections. So what does that mean for your production? In short, it runs smoother, faster, and more cost-effectively. While no two shoots are exactly alike, fixers consistently provide critical support in the following areas:

Location Scouting: Their familiarity with locations, access points, and permit restrictions allows them to identify visually compelling locations that aren’t widely known. They also navigate language barriers and local dynamics to keep everyone happy.

Location Permitting: Every city, county, and state has its own permitting process, often requiring detailed paperwork and multiple levels of approval. Fixers take this off your plate. They know which agencies to contact, how to expedite requests, and what restrictions apply, ensuring your shoot stays compliant.

Transportation and Accommodations: Fixers handle travel logistics so your crew isn’t stuck, lost, or delayed. They secure the right vehicles for terrain and crew size, hire trusted local drivers, and book nearby lodging that fits the production’s needs and budget.

Hiring Crews: Fixers have strong working relationships with leading crews in their area. This includes Directors, Cinematographers, Producers, Camera Operators, Sound Mixers, Grips, Gaffers and even PAs. They can add individual crew members to your team, or put together a full crew that’s perfect for the job.

Equipment Rental: Whether you need a single piece of equipment or an entire gear package, Fixers can help. They have relationships (and accounts) with all the leading equipment rental houses in their area. Because of these relationships, they can get the best rates, which they’ll pass on to you. Many Fixers also have their own production and equipment insurance.

Why Productions Need a Fixer in Colorado

Colorado is a stunning but logistically complex place to shoot. From alpine peaks and desert canyons to bustling urban centers like Denver and Boulder, the state offers visual variety—but it also comes with unique challenges that make hiring a Colorado-based Fixer essential.

Dealing with Altitude and Weather: Shooting at high elevations (e.g., Breckenridge, Telluride, Estes Park or Pikes Peak) can pose serious challenges for crews and gear. Thinner air affects drones, generators, and physical stamina. A local Fixer understands these limitations and can prepare your production accordingly, whether that means scheduling acclimatization days, sourcing high-altitude specialists, or recommending portable oxygen or hydration strategies.

Simplifying Permits: Filming in Colorado often means dealing with different types of land (e.g., national forests, state parks, county roads, or private property), each with its own rules and timelines. A savvy Fixer knows who to call, what paperwork to file, and how to get approvals expedited. This insider knowledge can shave weeks off your pre-production schedule.

Planning for Remote Shoots: Plenty of film-worthy spots in Colorado are hours from the nearest city. A Fixer helps coordinate transportation, lodging, catering, power access, and safety planning—essential when your shoot is miles from civilization. They can even arrange off-grid solutions like mobile restrooms, satellite Wi-Fi, or emergency medical response.

Hiring Local Crews and Renting Gear: Bringing in a full crew from out of state adds unnecessary cost. Colorado fixers have deep rosters of experienced crew across departments—from camera ops to drone pilots, grips to production designers. They also have strong relationships with regional gear rental houses in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction, ensuring you get high-quality equipment at local rates.

Working with Communities: Colorado residents are fiercely protective of their landscapes. A fixer helps navigate community dynamics and environmental regulations, ensuring your production is welcomed, not resented. They know how to secure local buy-in, minimize ecological impact, and keep your shoot low-profile when needed.

FAQs

Q: When should I hire a Fixer?
Hire a fixer as early as possible, ideally during pre-production. The earlier they’re involved, the more they can help with location scouting, permitting timelines, crew availability, and travel planning.

Q: Can a Fixer act as my local producer or production manager?
Many experienced Fixers take on producer-level responsibilities, especially on smaller shoots. However, their exact role should be clarified early to ensure proper scope and expectations.

Q: How do I work with a Fixer?
Establishing roles and responsibilities up front make working with Fixers easy. Checklists and lists of expectations keep clear communication between the production and the Fixer. Depending on how many responsibilities you give a Fixer, make sure not to overwhelm them with too many tasks.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a Fixer?
Fixer rates vary by region and scope of work ($750 – 1000/day is common), but their knowledge often saves productions more than it costs to hire them.

Q: Are Fixers only used for international shoots?
No. While Fixers are common on international productions, they’re just as valuable for domestic shoots in unfamiliar regions, especially where permitting or access is complex (e.g., national parks, tribal lands, or protected areas).

From Colorado to Utah, from Wyoming to New Mexico, our team has travelled all across the Rocky Mountain West. We are experienced Fixers that understand the unique aspects of film and television production. We also represent a variety of filming locations in Colorado, as well as local studios offering full production services in Denver, Albuquerque and Cheyenne. If you need a Fixer on your next shoot, drop us a line.

 

P-Cards are a Game-Changer for Production

Posted on by Kent

In today’s fast-paced production world, managing expenses isn’t just about accounting, it’s a strategic priority. Indie filmmakers must meet tax incentive requirements. Commercial producers rush to reconcile costs. Old-school methods like cash envelopes and handwritten receipts can’t keep up. That’s where the Purchase Card (P-card) comes in.

A P-card is a company-issued credit or prepaid card. Crew members use it to make approved purchases directly for the production. Unlike traditional credit cards, once limited to producers, P-cards scale to any team size. They’re ideal for tracking hundreds of on-set expenses with speed and accuracy.

Unlike petty cash or personal cards, P-cards offer control, transparency, and automation. That aligns with the growing demands of digital workflows and production compliance.

A Technology Whose Time Has Come

“P-card technology has existed for a decade, but COVID really accelerated its adoption,” explains Avni Vital Ahuja, Co-Founder and CEO of Dolly Card. “Fully remote productions and the desire to minimize passed physical checks/cash/receipts pushed a technology-reticent industry to search for alternatives.”

Before 2020, most productions relied on outdated tools, like paper logs, cash handouts, boxes of receipts. These systems wasted time and invited errors. Now, P-cards let productions track spending in real-time while automating reconciliation.

Why P-Cards Work on Set

Whether you’re shooting a commercial in downtown Denver or a feature in the mountains of Colorado, productions face hundreds of small to mid-sized purchases daily, from fuel and catering to rentals and supplies. Each one has to be logged, coded, and reconciled. P-cards streamline this by tracking and categorizing expenses at the point of sale, eliminating the need for manual entry after the fact.

According to Austin Camhi, Head of Sales at RollCredits, “Productions typically see hundreds of expenses a day, all of which need to be account-coded, tax-coded, and receipt-linked for accounting. Whether or not the production is applying for tax incentives, there are strict reporting requirements for other groups like unions and guilds.”

Stronger Security, Smarter Spend Controls

Security is often the first concern when distributing multiple payment cards to a film crew. But modern P-card platforms have tackled this head-on with customizable controls:

  • Card-level limits: Prevent overspending by capping daily or weekly budgets.
  • Merchant restrictions: Cards can be limited to specific vendors (e.g., your PA’s card only works at food and fuel locations).
  • Department-based coding: A grip’s purchases can be locked to only code toward grip department budget lines, minimizing coding errors and simplifying reconciliation.

“Cards can also be linked to departments so their spend can only be coded to specific line items,” says Ahuja. “This saves producers from clerical errors and helps spread the burden of account coding/reconciliation to more people on set than just the line producer or accountant.”

Indie and Commercial Producers Benefit the Most

While larger studios may already use corporate card systems, most indie and commercial producers do not. These teams rarely have full-time accounting staff, yet they must still deliver clean, audit-ready records… especially in states offering tax rebates.

States like Georgia, New Mexico, and Louisiana have strict rebate rules. P-cards help by automatically tracking receipts, coding expenses, and organizing reports by department.

Commercial shoots face similar pressure: tight budgets, fast turnarounds, and clients who demand transparency. P-cards allow producers to stay in control without building a large back office.

Not All P-Cards Are Built for Production

Most traditional P-card providers focus on corporate travel, not production needs. Choose a provider that understands the chaos of a shoot and integrates with film accounting tools. Here are our recommendations:

Dolly Card

  • Best for: Film/TV productions of all sizes, especially indie and commercial shoots.
  • Standout features: Production-native workflows, real-time budget dashboards, AI-enhanced account/tax coding, department-level controls, and integrations with services like RollCredits.
  • Why it stands out: Built specifically for film and media production, Dolly automates expense tracking and reconciliation while giving producers live visibility into where the money is going, down to the department and line item.

RollCredits

  • Best for: Commercials, branded content, and fast-paced digital productions.
  • Standout features: Tight integration with RollCredits’ onboarding, payroll, and vendor management tools; real-time expense categorization; team-based card permissions.
  • Why it stands out: RollCredits extends its production management suite with a P-card solution that supports smart budgeting and accountability across departments, ideal for fast-turnaround projects needing agility and control.

Media Services

  • Best for: Independent features and productions applying for tax incentives.
  • Standout features: Built-in tools for audit-ready expense tracking, approval workflows, and compatibility with state rebate requirements.
  • Why it stands out: Designed to satisfy the needs of both line producers and tax credit auditors, Media Services’ P-card system makes compliance easier across jurisdictions.

CASHet

  • Best for: Union productions and studio-backed projects.
  • Standout features: Seamless integration with Cast & Crew’s accounting and payroll systems, customizable card limits, and centralized compliance reporting.
  • Why it stands out: A trusted name for large-scale productions, especially those already relying on Cast & Crew’s ecosystem (e.g., CAPS, PSL+).

GreenSlate

  • Best for: Productions already using GreenSlate for accounting, payroll, or onboarding.
  • Standout features: Unified dashboard, automatic transaction categorization, and seamless receipt capture integrated with GreenSlate’s cloud platform.
  • Why it stands out: GreenSlate offers a smooth, all-in-one solution for productions seeking full visibility across payroll, accounting, and P-card expenses.

The Bottom Line

P-cards are game-changers for production accounting. They save time, reduce stress, and offer full transparency. In an era of remote shoots, tax incentives, and growing compliance, P-cards aren’t optional… they’re essential.

Need help setting up a P-card system for your next shoot? Movie Mogul can connect you with trusted p-card providers to help streamline your budgeting and expense management process.

On Set with FIGS

Posted on by Kent

For its 2024 Olympic campaign, FIGS partnered with real medical professionals and elite athletes to showcase the shared discipline, resilience, and selflessness that define both worlds. Set against the backdrop of the Paris Olympics, their “Anatomy of a Champion” commercial positioned healthcare workers as the true heroes in athletics.

Authentic Location

A major portion of the commercial was filmed on location at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, providing exclusive access to Olympic-grade training facilities and recovery labs. By securing the Training Center, the production gained unmatched authenticity and visual impact, effectively grounding the campaign in the physical rigor and national pride of Team USA.

Throughout these sequences, the scenes captured athletes in early-morning training, underwater resistance workouts, and high-intensity interval runs… each filmed to highlight athleticism and determination.

Meanwhile, Olympic footage was intercut with scenes from real hospital environments in New York and Los Angeles, creating a powerful visual dialogue between world-class athletes and frontline medical professionals. As a result, the campaign delivered an emotionally resonant message that emphasized the shared pursuit of excellence, grit, and care across both fields.

Production Scope

Movie Mogul location scouted, line produced, and delivered production services to the FIGS Olympic commercial. With just two weeks to prepare, we mobilized a crew of over 100 professionals for a four-day shoot at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. We secured permits, coordinated equipment rentals, and booked crew in advance. We also handled transportation, lodging, and day-to-day logistics to keep the production running smoothly.

The shoot ran like a small feature film. We established a full basecamp inside the USA Basketball gym, with departments clearly sectioned off. Coordination with the U.S. Olympic Committee was essential for facility access and athlete scheduling. Over a dozen Olympic hopefuls appeared on-camera, many sharing personal stories that added depth to the final edit.

Campaign Results

FIGS premiered the Olympic spot one week before the 2024 Paris Games and aired it nationally on NBC, with additional streaming on Peacock. The brand rolled out the campaign across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, where it quickly gained momentum.

In just two weeks, the commercial drew over 12 million views and earned praise for its emotional storytelling and clear brand message. It generated more than 200,000 organic social engagements and was featured in Adweek‘s “Top Brand Moments of the 2024 Olympics.” The campaign cemented FIGS’ position not only as a premium medical apparel brand but also as a cultural voice for the healthcare community.

Final Takeaways

The Olympic Training Center wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the heart of the story. Production leaned into the authenticity of the location, letting the space convey the emotion. No artificial heroism, just real athletes and real healthcare workers pushing themselves to the limit..

  • Choose locations that reflect the integrity of your story. Don’t dress them up, let them speak for themselves.
  • Shoot performance, not spectacle. Trust in real people over polished portrayals.
  • Respect the space. Olympic facilities are places of serious work. Stay efficient and unobtrusive.
  • Integrate brand message with the environment. FIGS didn’t impose itself, it aligned with values of excellence and service.

 

Filming in Colorado

Posted on by Kent

Colorado has been a hidden gem for film locations for quite some time. With a rich history of filmmaking, it has been featured in such classic films as True Grit, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Filmmakers have know for years that Colorado is hard to beat when you consider its varied terrain provides the perfect stand-in, no matter the setting. Alpine peaks, rolling plains, lush forests, epic sand dunes, and modern cities are all mere hours away from one another. Because of this, Colorado can easily double for parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

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Beyond the varied locations, Colorado has many other advantages:

Great Weather

The state has over 300 days of sunshine and when stormy weather comes through, it moves on quickly. An average altitude of 6,800 feet above sea level provides mild winters and low-humidity summers creates crisp, cool nights. This allows production schedules to run on time with little threat of weather delays.

Quality Crew

Colorado has an enviable track record of hosting productions from all over the world. There is tremendous depth in every crew position as well as a number of equipment rental vendors and full-service production companies in the state to support them. The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media (COFTM) offers a bevy of programs and resources for out-of-state productions.

Affordability

As compared to states on either coast, Colorado is a bargain for filmmakers. Equipment rentals, crew rates and travel expenses are lower than production hubs in California, New York and Georgia. Not only is it an affordable state for production, the quality of life index is one of the highest in the nation. And Colorados’s rich history and diverse landscape provide numerous reasons to visit.

Incentives

After lagging behind its neighbors when it comes to providing film incentives, Colorado has a $6 million film incentive. The state allows companies that film in Colorado to receive up to a 20% tax rebate if they spend a certain amount on qualified expenses, such as crew wages and set construction.

Rich History

Colorado with its striking mountain and desert landscapes has provided the backdrop for many old silent westerns dating as far back as 1898. It has continued to be the location of choice for films like The Hateful Eight, Fast and Furious 7, The Long Ranger as well as numerous commercials, music videos and documentaries.

To take advantage of any state, you need a company well-versed in production logistics, location scouting, and permitting procedures. As natives of Colorado, we know the state from Grand Junction to Burlington, Fort Collins to Trinidad, and every place in between. We are skilled production coordinators that have experience in all aspects of film and television production. We also represent a variety of filming locations in Colorado, as well as local studios offering full production services in Denver. If you need a Fixer on your next shoot, drop us a line.

What a Fixer Does in Film Production

Posted on by Kent

Few careers offer more variety than that of a Fixer, the local expert responsible for bringing all the moving parts together for a film or video production. Fixers help productions save time and money by allowing crews to hit the ground running without having to worry about local logistics.

This role demands exceptional problem-solving skills, sharp organization, and a strong network of crew and trusted vendors. For those who thrive ‘behind the scenes,’ it’s a rewarding job but far from easy. Fixers constantly identify potential problems and act quickly to resolve them. Most build their expertise through years of experience in a range of production roles.

“I don’t see creative briefs and scripts anymore. I see jigsaw puzzles. You see the whole production through the eyes of ‘what do I need to shoot here’, not just ‘that’s a cool concept,” said Kent Youngblood, Fixer and Owner of Denver-based Movie Mogul Productions. “You have to become very detail-oriented but I’m constantly thinking about the hundred different things I need to solve. It can drive you crazy.”

Every Day Brings a New Challenge

In the first six months of 2022, Youngblood tackled two major documentaries for European networks, each packed with its own challenges. For the BBC–Studio Ramsay co-production Trailblazers, he coordinated more than 30 locations and activities, provided crew recommendations, and arranged transportation for a three-week shoot.

He managed a 40-person crew with daily company moves—requiring constant adjustments and razor-sharp planning. The team filmed everywhere from a cowboy bar in Cheyenne, Wyoming to the summit of Pikes Peak, all under aggressive timelines. The production launched in January and wrapped in April, capping off one of Movie Mogul’s most demanding and rewarding shoots to date.

A month after completing Trailblazers, he was off on another documentary for France 3 television called Pack Your Rucksack. Although the journey through Colorado was similar, it had a smaller crew and needed language support for a French-speaking crew. A major challenge was gaining access to national parks across Colorado. Due to staffing shortages and permitting issues, getting approved to film was difficult. Having the production designated as “Low-Impact Filming” was critical to success.

By the end of June, Youngblood had travelled over 3,000 miles throughout Colorado and had “way too many Starbucks ice teas and fast food drive-ins. But it was an epic six months of travel. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”

Questions and Problem Solving

Every production has its unique requirements and it is the Fixer’s job to come up with solutions. Years of hands-on experience and deep local knowledge help anticipate most needs but that doesn’t mean there aren’t surprises. Requests can range from the challenging to the downright absurd:

Q: Can we get 250 pounds of camera equipment up to the top of the Great Sand Dunes National Park?
Yes… with sledges, plenty of time and lots of manpower.

Q: Can we summit Long’s Peak in February with a crew of 20 people?
No… with a crew unaccustomed to an altitude of 14,259 feet, deep snow drifts and freezing temperatures, it’s a safety hazard.

The Thrill of Accomplishment

Working on an intricate puzzle and clinching it with the final piece is gratifying. “I’ll walk into something and go, ‘This is it’,” said Youngblood. “Everything together: the locations, the crew, the equipment, the travel arrangements… and all under budget. It’s a thrill and a relief.”

Above all, one of the best parts of being a Fixer is how every project is different. “In one month I worked on a network documentary, a music video for a major label, a Vogue fashion shoot and an immersive experience for Netflix,” Youngblood said. “The variety is hard to beat. And the people you meet along the way are awesome.”

From Colorado to Utah, from Wyoming to New Mexico, our team has travelled all across the Rocky Mountain West. We are experienced Fixers that understand the unique aspects of film and television production. We also represent a variety of filming locations in Colorado, as well as local studios offering full production services in Denver, Albuquerque and Cheyenne. If you need a Fixer on your next shoot, drop us a line.

Working with Vogue

Posted on by Kent

Scouting and coordinating shoots with fashion magazines are projects unlike any other. When Vogue sets out to photograph a rising icon like Quannah Chasinghorse, we knew they wanted a location just as unforgettable as their subject. In August 2021, we led them to one of Colorado’s most visually stunning and surreal backdrops: the Paint Mines Interpretive Park.

Photographed by the brilliant Jackie Nickerson, renowned for her striking, socially conscious portraiture, this shoot captured the raw beauty of both Chasinghorse and the ancient land beneath her feet. The result? A powerful visual story about identity, resilience, and connection to the Earth.

The Paint Mines: Colorado’s Hidden Cinematic Gem

Tucked away near Calhan, just outside Colorado Springs, the Paint Mines are a geological wonder. Colorful hoodoos, clay formations, and eroded sandstone towers emerge in soft hues of pink, orange, and white… creating a landscape that feels otherworldly. It’s a place steeped in natural mystique and provided a powerful setting for a story centered on Indigenous identity and activism.

As a Colorado-based production company, Movie Mogul knows just how rare and cinematic this location is. But filming at the Paint Mines comes with its own challenges, especially in the peak heat of August.

Shooting in the Heat of August: Beauty Meets Brutality

Temperatures at the Paint Mines can easily soar into the 90s during summer. Add intense sun, little shade, and a remote setting, and you’ve got a demanding environment for both crew and talent.

On shoots like this one, hydration plans, shade setups, and early-morning call times become essential. Keeping gear cool and batteries stable in extreme heat requires just as much planning as finding the perfect shot.

Despite the conditions, Nickerson’s lens captured Chasinghorse in a way that was both grounded and transcendent, elevating the natural textures of the landscape while honoring its cultural resonance.

Quannah Chasinghorse: A New Kind of Vogue Star

As documented in Vogue’s profile, Chasinghorse is not your typical fashion muse. She’s an activist, model, and member of the Hän Gwich’in and Oglala Lakota Nations—making her presence in a major fashion spread deeply meaningful. Dressed in bold pieces that reflected both strength and tradition, she brought the landscape to life in a way no one else could.

The shoot didn’t just capture beauty… it told a story of belonging, resistance, and the land’s enduring spirit. And that’s what great production is all about.

Colorado Locations With Meaning

At Movie Mogul, we specialize in location-driven storytelling. From fashion editorials to documentaries and commercials, we help production teams uncover Colorado’s most cinematic landscapes. The Vogue shoot at the Paint Mines is a perfect example of how a meaningful location can elevate a story, especially when paired with a subject as powerful as Chasinghorse.

Looking to shoot your next project in Colorado? We know where the light hits just right.

On Set with Saint Laurent

Posted on by Kent

Fashion brands do the most avant-garde commercials and videos. Saint Laurent is no exception. French Water, a short film for historic French fashion house, was created to showcase the Spring/Summer 2021 collection. Directed by Jim Jarmusch and shot by Frederick Elmes, a handful of celebrities make their way around a haunting yet ethereal complex, searching for one another in the Guastavino’s building in New York City. Julianne Moore, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Leo Reilly, and Indya Moore wander the halls in the nine-minute experiment.

Capturing Moody Atmosphere

Jarmusch and Elmes crafted an aesthetic steeped in confluence – natural light bleeding through vaulted tile ceilings, and deep shadows that evoke mystery. It isn’t flashy; it is deliberately moody. Every shot lingers. Passages seem half-remembered. That ambiguity mirrors Saint Laurent’s being – glamorous, introspective, complex.

Cinematic Integrity & Creative Freedom

Under the creative leadership of Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent has expanded into full-fledged filmmaking. Vaccarello emphasized that these partnerships don’t involve product placement or overt branding. In Vogue, he affirmed: “It’s not about putting one of our bags in the opening sequence… I will not produce a film about fashion.”  This echoes Jarmusch’s detached elegance: style without spectacle.

We had the honor of providing location scouting, production services, and COVID compliance on the shoot. Crew wore PPE, observance of social distancing redefined staging areas, and frequent sanitization marked every pass through public touchpoints. Still, Jarmusch’s vision triumphed over restrictions. It was quite an experience fulfilling the creative aspirations of the client while navigating COVID health and safety protocols in New York.

Final Takeaways

Despite the superstar cast and striking set, the shoot remained minimalist. Location drove the production and the Production Designer successfully carved intimate zones beneath the sweeping architecture.

  • Choose intentionally minimal environments. Let location-driven visuals lead emotion, not costumes or effects.
  • Frame the architecture, just like cinematographers do, not the talent. Make the location a character.
  • Respect the space, especially in public or historical sites. Work lean, leave no trace.
  • Align your location strategy with brand values. Saint Laurent chose authors of substance. You should align your location with story purpose.

 

Storytelling is part of our DNA and we
want to tell your story.