Whether you’re shooting video or photos, the location you choose is important. Your location affects your budget, time, and even the creative possibilities of your project. If you want to make high-quality content every time, and on any budget, you need to master location scouting.
The location scouting process is generally the same for every project. Some productions may have a full team of location scouts, while smaller productions rely on one individual to evaluate shoot locations. Regardless of who is scouting, the tips we’ll discuss below will up your location game every time!
Looks Matter
Of course, how your location looks matters. You need a place that matches your project’s creative vision. To simplify your location scouting, make a list beforehand of what visuals you need. If you clearly understand what is a must-have, deciding on a location will be easier later.
Things to consider for your type of location include whether you can work with a studio or need a real location. Additionally, you should understand what looks you can create with just props and set decoration as opposed to looks only a specific location can offer.
Research
Once you do the work on aligning your location ideas with your creative vision, it’s time to research! You can start the scouting process by searching online. Explore potential areas that have spaces you can use. Understand what you can rent for your project by looking through websites like Peerspace. Filter by what’s within your budget and available for your shoot dates. Already you’re on your way to a short list of great options!
Narrowing down areas and types of locations even further prepares you for visiting locations. Of course, research should always be organized. Utilize a spreadsheet, document, or checklist to track what you find. You’ll be thankful later on when you’re evaluating locations!
Plan for Permits
Permits can be confusing and intimidating. No one wants to encounter legal issues during a production! That’s why it helps to figure out the types of permits you need for each location before you decide.
Depending on your city, you may need different types of permits for different productions, according to the type and duration of your project. Additionally, the fees and processing times can vary greatly. If you have a quick turnaround and a tight budget, some locations may not be realistic.
Not knowing enough about permit and legal requirements will always cost you a lot of money. It will also take up valuable time, which is never good for your campaign or your team. Thankfully, it can all be avoided if you learn exactly what’s needed before you make a decision!
Crunch the Numbers
No matter the size of your production, you cannot forget about your budget. Even before visiting your favorite locations, you need to determine exactly what you can afford. That way, you don’t get your hopes up on a place that ends up being too expensive!
The main costs include rent and permitting fees. However, it is useful to consider any incidentals, such as parking or security. Those costs add up quickly!
Figure out the Logistics
Even if a location looks perfect online, there are a lot of other factors to consider. If you don’t take the time to work out all of the logistics before your shoot day, you can run into delays that affect the quality of your campaign.
Basic needs such as power, bathrooms, room for your gear, and space for your crew are most important. Moreover, it’s valuable to know whether the parking and transportation options are useful for your production needs. The environment, especially weather exposure for outdoor locations, can never be overlooked. All of these are vital to safety on set!
Sound and lighting can have a huge effect on your production, so it is best to plan ahead. Additionally, public access to your set may increase your need for crowd control or security. If these negatively interfere with your production plans, you need to figure out what you can accommodate or whether the location is simply not for you.
Take Notes
Lastly, always take notes. Notes are useful during your research ohase, but they are most important during your location visits.
Take good photos and videos that represent the space. Write down any important information you learn on site and any thoughts you have during the visit. Not everything is going to be available online, so it’s important to have something you can reference later on!
You should always secure contact information for locations. If you have any questions after your visit, you want to find those answers easily and quickly. In fact, it’s great to build a relationship with location managers and other vendors, both for current and future projects. Never be afraid to learn a new name!
Location is Everything
Clearly a lot goes into choosing the best location for your production. While it may seem overwhelming, location scouting is manageable! It can take a lot of practice, but, if you put in effort, you will master location scouting in no time.
Following these steps will also save you money and time before, during, and after your production. When you make the right decision for your location, your shoot will go smoothly and your final campaign will be high-quality every time!
