Location Scouting For Film – Guidelines For Choosing And Preparing Your Film Location
To make the scenes easier to film later, I am guilty of intentionally limiting myself when drafting film scripts. As tempting as it is to go all out, why not make it easy on yourself? Shooting on location (especially exteriors) can be very challenging, so in many respects, this is great practice for student productions.
One location change in my most recent short film wasted three hours out of the filming day, therefore you should ideally shoot one place per day. Moving people and setting up the equipment again takes time, and even a quick journey from point A to point B can easily shave hours off your filming day.
There are always rules you should go by when site scouting for a movie, regardless of whether you opt to keep things straightforward or be more bold. These principles are designed to assist you in getting the most out of your pre-production time to make it simpler to film later on, not to inhibit your creativity.
Location Scouting For Film - Guidelines For Choosing And Preparing Your Film Location
1. Needs versus wants
Location Scouting For Film
Always keep the needs of the scene in mind when looking for a venue. In other words, don’t avoid a location simply because the wall isn’t painted the color you envisioned it to be because it is doubtful that you would locate the “perfect” location you have in your mind’s eye.
Take into account what is necessary for the area to have in order to complete the scene. Filmmaking is all about compromise, especially when there isn’t enough money to create sets from scratch.
2. What to look for
Location Scouting For Film
Your local film office might be able to offer suggestions and assistance for finding locations, as well as a list of potential sites.
Another easy-to-use tool is Google Maps, which allows you to visualize your location in 360 degrees from the comfort of your home. I typically research a few places online before visiting them.
Location Scouting For Film
Acquiring locations can be highly expensive. Productions with large budgets pay thousands to use sites (as these films are being made for guaranteed profit).
The producer and owner of private property may agree on a fee. We are fortunate for low-budget sets to even be able to pay our crew, let alone pay for locations. You can shoot for free on public property including streets, beaches, and some parks because they fall under this category.
With enough patience, you might be able to obtain clearance. Thanks to my excellent producer, I was able to use YYJ Airport(Victoria, BC) departure area for one of my recent short films I directed.
4. Shooting without permission
Location Scouting For Film
Without authorization, you will be filming guerilla-style, so you should have a small crew. If requested to leave even on public property (often by the police, security, or busybodies), explain that the movie is non-profit and that nobody is being paid at this moment.
Declaring that you are a student and that the movie is a student production or a personal effort highlights the movie’s low budget. Those that object to your right to film at your place are probably simply inquisitive, so be pleased with them.
Nowadays, filmmaking is more widely acknowledged, and people are less afraid of cameras than they formerly were. It helps to have a chatty, amiable producer or 1st AD by your side to explain the circumstances.
5. A site survey
Location Scouting For Film
Location survey refers to the process of visiting a location to determine whether it is appropriate for filming. The location manager may conduct the first recce alone, followed by the director and DOP for the second.
A group scouting mission may also be conducted with all department leaders so that every division may anticipate any issues that might arise during filming. You’ll avoid surprises during production and save time, money, and both.
6. Insurance Against Public Liability
Location Scouting For Film
If customers or members of the general public sustain physical injuries or property damages as a result of your business, public liability insurance will safeguard you. It is an essential insurance policy for companies that often deal with customers and can cover future legal fees or compensation claims.
Having PLI can also give you peace of mind, and it need not be expensive for a business or an individual. I literally stole it from Google.
When scouting locations
There are certain considerations to make when scouting locations for a movie:
- Is there power? If so, do you need it for your lighting and equipment? Do interior sites have adequate plug connections or do you need to rent a generator?
- How is the background noise? Especially if your scenario includes discussion, are there any distracting sounds, such as traffic, that can be heard? Instead of using dirty conversation, choose a calm setting and add background noise later.
- Is there a nearby restroom where the cast and crew can use the facilities? If there is a nearby bar, motel, or restaurant, contact the proprietors and politely request that your team be allowed to use the restrooms for the day. Order meals from them in exchange for the favor, or work out a deal.
- Consider how the lighting is changing throughout the day. Check to see which way the sun is setting to get a sense of the weather’s unpredictability. Shadows can also shift during the day.
- Is there a parking lot? You need a place to park the cars and vans; can you do so near to the set; and is there a parking fee?
- Is there room for a green room? Is there a quiet spot where actors may wait while getting ready in costume and makeup?
- What can be done to ensure that the cast and crew are safe throughout filming and whether the site is safe to shoot in?
Take a lot of pictures while you are doing the place reconnaissance so you can subsequently refer to them. Consider recording the situation on camera as well.
FAQ's - How Do I Choose a Film Location
Overall, establishing a strong sense of the film’s setting is just as crucial as creating a great performing presence. A setting significantly improves the visual appeal of a film’s overall causal effects.
The photography, setting, and performers all contribute to the emotional reaction felt when viewing what happens on the big screen. Selecting a location for a movie could be the single, most influential factor.
Sometimes a location has an impact on how the entire movie looks. It may decide how the stage sets will look. It can establish the story’s psychological tone. Few people will ever know how much a good site scout can add to a movie.
Shooting, for example, at a building with a back window where real cars are driving by is much simpler than having to pay extras, get vehicles, schedule the sequences, etc. This relates to finances. Real life is not only less expensive to film, but it also requires no budget because it is happening right now.
A practical location is a pre-existing setting that can be used for several sequences, minimising the need for location changes and assisting filmmakers on a tight budget.
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About the author: Trent (IMDB | Youtube) has spent 10+ years working on an assortment of film and television projects. He writes about his experiences to help (and amuse) others. If he’s not working, he’s either traveling, reading or writing about travel/film, or planning travel/film projects.
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