Location is everything. That’s as true in real estate as it is in production. Where you shoot is the key to meeting your campaign goals. From strengthening your visual impact to reducing costs, your shoot location is a powerful tool for your campaign.
If your location is not chosen carefully, you can run into budget, production, and legal issues. Let’s review the basics of shoot locations and their influence so you can make the best campaign every time!
Finding a Location
Finding your location, often done by a location scout, is one the first steps in the pre-production process. Location scouting involves searching for possible locations, comparing places to your production needs, and learning any requirements you must meet to shoot there.
While we’ll explore location scouting more in-depth in a different blog, it is important to know that it is more than a quick Google search! When you put time and effort into finding your perfect shoot location, your production will go much smoother.
What makes a location right for you?
There are a lot of logistics involved in shoot locations. Legal requirements, such as permits or insurance, determine how much additional work is needed to get your production up and running. Space for your crew, talent, and equipment is important too. If you can’t fit everything and everyone you need there, it isn’t the right location for you!
Depending on where your production is, you may need to pay attention to parking and transportation options. Additionally, utilities like power sources, restrooms, and clean water must be considered. If these aren’t readily available on site, you’ll be responsible for providing them. Those costs add up quickly!
Lastly, location security should not be understated. You may need to find storage options for props and equipment if your site is easily accessible to the public. In fact, if the public can walk into your set, you’ll also need to find ways to implement crowd control. Even safety from weather can be a factor when choosing the right location.
All of these factors influence whether a location fits your campaign needs. Moreover, all of these aspects of a location relate to your production budget. Whether there are permit fees or a lack of restrooms, the location you use will cost you. To avoid budget overruns consider the cost of each location ahead of time. Trust us; it will make your life much easier!
The Powerful Impact on Your Campaign
Clearly, a lot goes into determining which place is perfect for your production. It can be tempting to cut corners or choose the easiest option from your list. However, there is a lot of value in the right location.
Your shoot location reinforces the message of your campaign. When you photograph a waterproof speaker in harsh weather, you prove to your audience that your product delivers on its promises. If you want to tell a story about an everyday family, it’s more believable to shoot them in their home. The location not only matches the narrative, but it also makes it more relatable to your audience!
The perfect location also increases the efficiency of your production. When you take the time to sort out all requirements, your shoot days will be less stressful. Your team will work at their very best, saving you time, stress, and money!
At Plaid Pony Productions, we are experts in finding the perfect location for every production. From getting film permits to shutting down major highways, we know how to make a campaign stand out. We’re based in Austin, LA, and Miami, so we can offer you plenty of local tips. Wherever your next campaign takes you, we can’t wait to see you there!
