Finding the real location which can serve as the fictional location for your shoot as mandated by the film’s screenplay is known as location scouting. The right location helps to create a believable world and serves as the base for the narrative.

Whether it’s a television show, commercial, or movie, the right location, whether indoor or outdoor, helps to set the mood of the scene as written in the script and is an important part of preproduction.

However, a big problem is not being able to find the right location for a shoot. While one can build a set in a film city for every project, it’s not always feasible. The suitable location needs to qualify in various criteria, including meeting the aesthetic requirements of the script, fitting in the allocated budget, being logistically feasible for travel by the different cast and crew members, and being technically feasible.

Finding the right location requires us to keep some points in mind. These are highlighted below.

Choosing the right site

The process of video production starts with looking for the right location. You need to know your script properly to understand which location matches the setting of your story. The location should lend itself to the script you are going to shoot.

The location should not bind you as they are just the raw materials. So, depending on the script, look for multiple spots to match the different aspects of the story. However, do keep the budget constrains in mind before zeroing in on the location.

Scouting

You need to visit the location at the suitable time to see if it matches the project demand. If the script demands an early morning shoot, then the location needs to be visited then to check the aesthetic aspect of it. A location scout brings the video production company’s vision to life. They should take reference photos from different angles and points of view to understand the space better.

Based on the script requirements, you can even take panorama shots of the location. A meeting with the property owner is essential during this phase to ask any questions and get the necessary clarifications.

The initial scouting is followed by the tech scouting during which you understand the shortlisted location on a deeper level with the help of some others such as sound recordist, camera man, gaffer and the grip.

If the shoot requires shots to be filmed at different hours of the day, that needs to be checked before finalizing the location. This scouting lasts a longer time as the location needs to match the perspectives of the technical unit. Once you have finished scouting, you can book the location.

In 2020, it’s easy to find great locations with the help of online platforms such as Giggster and thelocationguide. You can also use unconventional methods to find locations such as Craigslist and Airbnb.

Finalize the deal

Nearly every video production agency has a location manager who negotiates a deal with the property owner, following which a location agreement is to be signed by both the parties clearly stating out the rules and regulations related to the property.

You also need to make it clear to the property owner as to which areas of the house you are going to use for video production. Depending on the location, the rate varies. A prime location property in NYC will cost more than a countryside house in Mexico. 

Getting a Permit

For legally carrying out the production in any place, you need a film or stills permit. The permit is issued after all the details related to the shoot, such as location, time, date, cast and crew and equipment are submitted.

Every city and state has a permits office and the location manager usually obtains it from there. Non-commercial films generally don’t need a permit. A minimum of three days is required to get a permit.

Once the permit has come, you can let the video production ball roll. Location scouting is not an easy process and has a number of challenges. In 2020, you have professional scouters such as productionhub, LocationHub and needafixer who will help you find the best location for your film on your budget.

A proper location has the power to make or break a film. So don’t neglect the importance of searching for the right location. A little extra time spent for this purpose is never going to go waste.