The actors are on vacation, production crew members have joined other local film and TV projects, and the Diamond Head soundstage is buttoned up.
But even though "Hawaii Five-0" is on hiatus until July, with the final episodes of the current season still to air on CBS, location manager Timmy Chinn is already scouting for next season.
It’s the never-ending cycle of a successful TV series, Chinn said. And he could use your help (again).
He needs more locations: more houses, more restaurants, more storefronts, more warehouses. He’s got a list.
"I would like to find more upscale mansions," he said. "We want something on the beach. A school, too. I’m looking for a school. We’re looking for a very nice conference room up in the air, like a penthouse conference room with a view."
Finding a mansion isn’t the hard part, he said. The hard part is finding a doorbell. Or a door to knock on.
But once he reaches the owner, it’s not uncommon to discover that the house has an agent.
Dozens of homes are so sought-after that their owners are represented by management companies, Chinn said.
This season, "Five-0" shot more in Kahala, Kaimuki and Palolo because the production headquarters moved from the old Honolulu Advertiser building at the start of Kapiolani Boulevard to the state film studio at Diamond Head. It didn’t pose many problems.
"We forget we are in Hawaii," Chinn said. "We moved maybe three or four miles. It’s opened up new neighborhoods to us."
The show used big exteriors this season as well. It opened with a helicopter taking off from inside Aloha Stadium and will finish with an episode that required the closure of Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, from the point where Kuhio Avenue branches off of Kalakaua up to Lewers Street. On a Sunday morning. For three hours.
The show uses hundreds of locations each season, including 60 to 70 houses.
"Five-0" sets up one day, shoots one or two scenes the next day and then cleans up. It can be traumatic for the homeowner, Chinn said.
"We are a huge show," he said.
"We are in your living room. We are in your kitchen. There are people all over the house. But when they yell cut, we’re gone. They yell cut, and we pack up everything and we are out in half an hour and you’re going, ‘What just happened?’"
And all that for about a minute or two of actual screen time.
Some locations, especially homes, become recurring sets that are used several times a season.
While the first time is usually exciting for the owners, the experience can become tiresome, and the onus is on "Five-0" to keep the property owner happy, Chinn said.
"Over time you get to know us," he said. "You know my face. You know the set decoration guys. But then we are gone."
Chinn decided he could improve the relationship. He wants to not just give property owners a place at a Sunset on the Beach premiere or at the season wrap party, but to also invite them to hang out with his production team during the events.
"You want to get them more involved personally," he said. "I imagine making them part of the ‘Hawaii Five-0′ family. If your house is part of the show, you are part of the crew."
Email your location suggestion to Five.o.locations@gmail.com.
AND that’s a wrap …
Mike Gordon is the Star-Advertiser’s film and television writer. Read his Outtakes Online blog at honolulupulse.com. Reach him at 529-4803 or email mgordon@staradvertiser.com.
