Film Scouting

 

Film Scouting

A term used to look out and discover new locations, I recently came across a few methods other than actually going out to search for a loaction on your own.

1.    Location Databases - You can look out for location databases, they are basically sites where you can go through locations as per your requirements. A prime example is http://www.locations-uk.com.

2.    Location Manager - The location manager is a member of the film crew responsible for finding and securing locations to be used, obtaining all fire, police and other governmental permits, and coordinating the logistics for the production to complete its work.

3.    Studios / Non-Professional Studios - A film studio (also known as movie studio or simply studio) is a major entertainment company or motion picture company that has its own privately owned studio facility or facilities that are used to make films, which is handled by the production company. Alike, Non-Professional Studios, which are places that are large enough to allow you to shoot your film, like, warehouses, sports halls, or large photographic studios.

4.    Soundstages - In common usage, a sound stage is a soundproof, hangar-like structure, building, or room, used for the production of theatrical film-making and television productions, usually located on a secured movie or television studio property.

Now, you need to keep in mind the following points to select a good location.

·         Light - Does the location have enough available light to film?

·         Sound - What are the acoustics like? Is there background noise? Will there be any unnecessary noise during the shoot?

·         Traffic - Busy public places are extremely difficult to shoot in.

·         Power - Is there enough power to use the strong lights?

·         Space - Is there enough space for your entire crew and cast to fit in with the gear?

Once, you go according to these steps, it will be easier for you to choose a location that best suits your film. :)

 

Whether it’s a big budget fashion film or an indie commercial, one of the biggest decisions filmmakers and producers face is where to shoot the film.

1. Allot ample time for research.

People, such as directors or financiers might put a lot of pressure on you to confirm the location in a short time. But don’t rush, and do proper research before finalising or else you might regret the location you’ve chosen later on.

2. Study the script.

Pick a location that matches the setting of your story. Does the script demand a specific location? Are there specific settings or equipment involved that will only be available in certain buildings or areas and at a certain time? Consider all these factors carefully before you pick the location.

3. Scout at the right time.

Visit the location at the same time of the day that you plan to do your shoot. Factors such as traffic, light, noise and the volume of other visitors are affected by the day and time, so be sure it’s ideal at the time when you plan to do your shoot.

4. Don’t forget your budget.

Check thoroughly to make sure that the location with all the equipment and possible extra charges such as a stage, lights, cleaning etc is within your budget.

5. Get permissions.

Go through the local laws and regulations and secure all the permits needed ahead of time. Also, confirm if you need any special clearance to use any specific kind of equipment.

6. Look Carefully

Examine all the elements carefully and be sure that everything is in place for your shots. List down the things that will be needed, be it lighting, equipment, props and accordingly decide where to set up for your scenes.

An ad shoot involves a lot of things - Cast, Crew, Equipment and many other things. So in addition to the above factors, check that the following amenities are also available at your chosen filming location:

1.parking space for the vehicles

2.bathroom facilities

3.power plugs, and backup electricity

4.lunch area for the crew

5.mobile service and signal

6.overnight accommodations

 

Filmmaking consists of two main stages which includes Pre-Production Stage and Post-Production Stage. For all the interviews which i have seen given my many directors, they have stated that the Pre-Production Stage is more important for making any movie since during this stage, all the required elements for making a movie are discussed, chosen and finalized by the filmmakers.

This includes not only the casting, their remuneration and shooting schedules for the star cast, but also comprises of acquiring the technical equipments, location scouting and fixing the same for the shooting the scenes with prior approval and permissions from the concerned authorities and also making sure that the scenes and the movie is completed within the agreed stipulated time schedule to avoid last minutes ruckus and also additional production budgets.

Location Scouting and Finalizing is one of the important factors considered when making any movie based on the story, screenplay, characters and the environment in which the movie is shot or any particular scene. This task is mostly carried out and completed after the final script is finalized by the filmmaker or director.

The Assistant Directors play the main role here as they perform major amount of the Pre-Production tasks including the Location Scouting based on the instructions and specifications received from the Director.

 

There’s often a crew member, who’s title is “Location Manager” or “Location Superviser” or “Location Assistant”. This is the person who searches cheapest available place that fit’s certaign description and enables necessary features.

Somewhere along the pre-production, script breaked down to the scenes and respectively locations.

It goes by the more-less standard algorithm. You define the area (desert/urban/mountaigns), then properties that location should have and then search. Most of US have very responsive film commisions (thought NY’s is busy as hell), that will help you with locations withing the state + will provide some tax incentives or other means to make your shooting in the state as much lucrative as possible.

For example:

You need to find location with following descriptions:

“Emmeth’s house” - two store colonial home in suburban area with basement.

Director have some preferences which he shared. Main thing it should be on the street with a view on New York skyline and located in NJ.

First thing you search for the houses that are for rent in the NJ cities close to the NYC. Simultaneously you search for relateives, frends aquantancees that live in vicinity and contact them about it. You tell them what you search and they can even provide their homes or hook you up with someone who will fit your description.

When you found few options - you send the proposal, with prices, requirements and all information about offered locations you found. Then you go on the locations with cinematographer or some photographer, or take photos of selected by Director locations yourself.

P.S. It’s just an example and it can differ to some particular project experiences of quora members that work in the area.

 

Boots on the ground. Scouts. This has been pointed out to you. More eyes than just yours, looking for POTENTIAL locations.

This can be done before any funding has been secured. This can be done... well... for as long as it takes to find the right location.

Here it is though. How much time have you spent driving around looking at locations that might be suitable? Because you know what? That's a big portion of the task. Too much time wasted doing it? Hire someone to do it for you. No money to do that? Sign a contract with them for points or payment after the movie has been produced (if they'll agree to that).

There isn't a secret... other than maybe using an existing Scout Database. Film Locations Services - Film Location Scouts there are companies who have collected location data, and make it easier. Of course, you have to pay for the service, but it saves you time. Sure, you would have to find one of their locations that served your needs... you wouldn't be spending time looking for the most unique and fitting location. You'd be picking through the database of locations that someone else scouted (for another film most likely). However... this is an option.

So... you could...

·         physically scout locations yourself. Drive, look, take pictures, etc.

·         hire someone to scout locations for you.

·         pay a location scouting service for access to their database of locations.