Use film commisioners

Something often overlooked for student filmmakers. Use film commissioners - especially if you are not in the middle of New York City or LA. Each country has their own commissioner who often will not get many phone calls or requests. If you present yourself professionally they will be more than willing to spend their time working for you. I mean it, they will literally help you with preproduction and they have connections. They can get you locations, sets, crews, equipment, etc. Usually for no to little cost.

I should have used this resource earlier. It has helped me immensely for preparing to shoot my thesis. I got location I thought were impossible for little cost.