Advice for Shooting
When looking for the perfect location for a film, TV or stills shoot production, take these six things into consideration:
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1. Aesthetic: Does the space match the director’s vision and the description in the content needs and/or script?
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2. Distance: Determine how far the location is from the main film office to assess the feasibility of transporting cast, crew, and equipment there.
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3. Permission: Find out who owns the land or property and if they’ll grant permission to shoot and /or film there. If the location is on city, county, state, or federal property, there are permit applications that will need to be completed and reviewed.
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4. Cost: A shoot budget will have a line item for locations. With more than one location in play, determine if there are fees for any of the locations and how much each one will cost. If there is a location that costs more than you have budgeted, try to negotiate with the location owner.
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5. Logistics: For each location, consider the logistics of shooting & filming there. Things to take into consideration: parking, cell reception, electrical power sources, space for craft services, and bathrooms.
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6. Environment: Examine the weather patterns as well as light & visuals to include in your scout notes. Also Is there an ambient sound—like a nearby road, creek, or air conditioner—that could interfere with recording sound while filming? Notice the general climate of the area.
Location Scout for TV & Film