Reel Greenery: Transforming Film Sets With Plant Rentals

Drive-in theaters were a staple of my childhood. Lying on top of the family station wagon, wrapped in a sleeping bag and watching a Disney movie under the stars, brings back a flood of nostalgic memories. As I gazed at that enormous screen, I always wondered what it was like to work in that world of make-believe. Eventually, I got the chance to discover it, albeit from a different perspective.

Embarking on a Cinematic Journey With Plant Rentals

Decades later, while working in the world of interiorscape sales, I had the opportunity to dip my toes into the realm of movie-making. I received an email from HBO Films asking for a plant rental bid for a film they planned to shoot here in Jacksonville. Initially, I wondered if it was a scam. Why would a prominent movie company choose Jacksonville, Florida, for their filming location? But then I recalled that a few major movies—G.I. Jane and Basic—had previously filmed scenes in and around the city, and the idea didn’t seem so far-fetched.

To confirm, I reached out to the contact named in the email, who verified it was an authentic request from HBO. I’d never put together a movie quote before, but it closely resembled arranging a series of short-term rentals. I replied with an estimate for the plant material, including details for multiple deliveries, not knowing if it would come to fruition. But to my surprise, a few weeks later, I received the “green light.” After signing a nondisclosure agreement, I was provided with detailed scene sketches, precise dates, times, and locations, and the film’s title—Recount.

Plant Rentals in Action

When the production crew arrived and was ready to begin filming, my team’s initial task involved positioning large planters to enhance the entrance of a parking garage. For this particular film, the demand was most often for hedges or tall, leafy trees to conceal cameras. Our routine meant arriving by 6 a.m. to set up plants before the day’s filming started and then collecting them once the scenes had wrapped up.

One exception was an outdoor scene featuring a limousine driving up a circular driveway. The landscape had been neglected and overrun with weeds, and, in a frantic call, the set designer asked me to refresh it with an annual flower bed. The next day, my team was at the site, clearing weeds, planting impatiens, and re-shaping the overgrown ligustrum tree. While not a plant rental, this task still fell well within my services as a plant professional.

In another brush with Hollywood, I provided the stage material for the TV show Supernatural when they held fan conventions in Jacksonville. Since it’s a spooky, fantasy series, they requested unique decor—towering dead trees draped with Spanish moss, mixed with Norfolk pines and ferns, to give the stage a haunting forest atmosphere. A highlight of this experience was the opportunity to meet some of the actors, along with the advantage of a very substantial rental budget.

Equipping Your Plant Rental Business for the Big Screen

So, what do you need to become a vendor of plant rentals for film productions? You probably have the necessary components already—a collection of tropical and landscape foliage, a delivery vehicle, and a dependable team. Even if you don’t have every plant in stock, it isn’t a deal-breaker, as long as you have access to local suppliers who can provide what’s needed on time. For the film Recount, for example, we didn’t stock the required outdoor annuals or hedges in inventory. Instead, I sourced the material from a local nursery at a wholesale price. And if your company vehicle isn’t large enough to transport an entire set’s worth of greenery, a box truck rental is always an option.

Marketing Your Plant Rental Services to the Film Industry

You may be wondering how to attract film projects to your business. Much like any venture, those in charge of setting up film sets often turn to the internet, searching websites and social media pages for plant rentals and interiorscape services. To stand out to these production companies, getting in touch with your local film commission is key. Legally, production teams must obtain filming permits from these commissions, which also compile a directory of local service providers—from caterers and stylists to transportation services and plant rental companies. Although navigating the bureaucracy to get on this preferred vendor list may be a bit of a hassle, achieving that seal of approval is an invaluable entry point into the film industry.

The Growing Landscape of Film Production Opportunities

Even if you’re not located in a city known for its film history like New York, Boston, or Los Angeles, the independent film industry is becoming more prevalent, especially in areas with a lower cost of living. Opportunities to participate in film, including TV shows and commercials, are expanding beyond traditional hubs. This shift not only diversifies the locations seen on screen but also opens doors for local businesses and talents to contribute to the storytelling process. So, if you’re an interiorscaper looking for an exciting new chapter in your career, the expanding film scene outside of Hollywood’s popular confines could be your ticket.