In the world of video production, there will be a time when you have to consider location scouting or finding locations to shoot at. When the budget is tight, especially for corporate, and YouTube videos, the place you decide to film can make a significant difference.
There are going to be situations where you have to venture out of the studio when the client is looking for something different. At first glance, the entire process can seem daunting.
Fortunately, once you get exposure and hands-on practice, you will have a great time. Location scouting comes under pre-production, which you need to consider as a video production agency.
Rather than having to rely on guesswork and hope everything works out, use the location scouting tips given below for video production:
Be aware of the script
The area you choose to film as part of the video services you offer to your client should match the theme of the script. Everyone in the industry follows this rule of thumb, due to the impact it has during the shoot.
As you go out and look for places, you will come across several incredible locations. They can vary from urban landscapes, public property, and historic buildings. The trick is to go for a location that complements the message you want to portray in the video. Due to this reason, it is crucial you go through the script and understand its demands, before looking for areas to shoot.
Check the location at several times
A common mistake among those who offer video production services is that they don’t spend adequate time at the location. Once they find that the destination fits their demands, they call it a day and go back to the studio.
Imagine a situation where you are running behind schedule, due to various delays. Are you going to take the risk and see whether the light is adequate to continue shooting? When the budget is tight, your client may not be able to afford extending the time taken to complete filming.
The best way to avoid this situation is to spend adequate time at the location. Once you get a feel of how the light will be throughout the day, you can go back and start shooting as per your schedule.
Make a quick evaluation of the area
Once you are at the location, you should take time to evaluate the area. For instance, how is the cell phone reception in this locality? If you face a breakdown after traveling for several hours to reach the destination, what is the next course of action?
Similarly, you need to make sure the crew and client are happy during video production. For example, are there enough food stops where everyone can stock up, in case the shoot goes beyond schedule? Another situation is whether you have access to an electronics store in NYC, in case you want to find replacement cables, adapters, or batteries.
Take an audio sample of the location
As there are several companies which offer video services to their clients, you need to make sure your work is excellent at all times. The hallmark of a top-notch video agency is the quality of audio it records during the shoot.
If you get a lot of noise, it can affect the end product which your client will get to see. After all, you don’t want your customers going to your competitors, due to the nature of the market. In NYC, the sound of traffic, movement of people, voices, and moving water can impact the quality of the audio.
You should make it a point to find out if this is going to be a problem at the location you want to shoot. Record an audio sample at the area and listen to the clip via your headphones. If there is any type of interference, you may have to change the location of the shoot or find innovative ways to overcome the problem.
Scouting locations is a crucial part of pre-production and determines the quality of the video production. As a video production company, it is your goal to make sure you implement all the above tips to ensure the entire process goes on smoothly!
