- Location scouting involves finding the ideal location or locations for your movie script.
- The aesthetics, cost, and distance are among things to consider when location scouting.
- Choose Boiling Point Media to assist you in the film location scouting process.
Location scouting is a vital step in pre-production. The right location can perfectly set the scene for your project, while the wrong one can lead to both logistical challenges and creative setbacks. However, there’s much more to location scouting than just searching and finding the right location for your next film. By knowing what to consider when scouting, and following the correct steps, you’re on your way to finding the location that fits the script of your next film.
What is Location Scouting?
Location scouting is a crucial step in the pre-production phase of filmmaking and commercial photography. After scriptwriters, producers, or directors determine the type of scenery needed for scenes filmed outside the studio, the search for an ideal location begins. This search involves sourcing, visiting, and eventually getting legal permission to use the selected location to start filming.
Things to Consider When Location Scouting
When considering a location for your film, you’ll need to think about everything that makes a film great. Things like aesthetics and environment can add visual and audio effects that will leave your viewers in a state of WOW, while factors including cost and logistics will affect the budget. It’s important to consider the following when conducting the location scouting process.
Aesthetics
Location scouting aesthetics refer to the script’s creative demands. The setting of the film should identify with the script and align with the director’s vision. For example, if the storyline calls for a western town, the location aesthetic should include architectural details, buildings, and props of a small frontier settlement. Other aesthetics that are considered include the location’s color palette, historical accuracy, and authenticity. Choosing a location that best reflects the script’s creative demands allows more cohesiveness during the post production process.
Cost
There’s a lot that goes into a film budget, and location scouting is included. If multiple locations are involved, this can cause an increase in costs to film due to location costs, transportation costs, and more. When choosing the filming locations, assess what the total costs are for each location, relative to your budget. Keeping a handle on these costs can lead to a more profitable film.
Distance
Evaluate the distance from the main film office to the location to determine the feasibility of transporting cast, crew, and equipment. It’ll also be important to consider if the filming location provides reliable cell phone reception and Wi-Fi. Explore the area for convenient food options to keep you and your crew energized during a busy schedule, and find a nearby electronics store if you need to replace a cable or adapter.
Environment
Take note of the natural and interior lighting during your scout. Pay attention to any ambient sounds, such as traffic, a creek, or an air conditioner, that could disrupt sound recording during filming. Also, observe the overall climate of the area. This will not only affect the sounds within the film but also the comfort and performance of your crew.
Logistics
For each location, assess the logistics of filming there. Factors that should be considered include parking, cell reception, access to electrical power, space for craft services, and availability of bathrooms. If logistics aren’t thoroughly evaluated ahead of time, you run the risk of the filmmaking process being derailed.
Permission
Contact the property owner and find out whether they can grant you permission to film at their location. Be sure to obtain the necessary permits and legal approvals to shoot at specific locations, with the assistance of your film production team. If the location is on city, county, state, or federal land, permit applications will need to be submitted and reviewed.
Steps to Location Scouting
The process of location scouting involves a series of coordinated steps that will help you find the ideal location for the film’s script. These steps will involve doing a creative analysis of your script, sourcing and then finding the ideal location, and then receiving permission from the property owner(s).
Do A Script Breakdown
The location department reviews the script to identify all the locations required for the film. Breaking down the script involves a thorough and detailed creative analysis of the action in filmmaking, emphasizing the interplay of conflict, theme, and design elements within the screenplay. Without the proper location, these characteristics within the script can’t meet their full potential.
Source Your Locations
The location manager and their team will create a list of potential filming locations. Browse real estate listings to identify suitable houses, and consider reaching out to a film commission. Many local & state government offices have a film commission, or liaison, dedicated to assisting productions in their area. Oftentimes, the film commission is able to provide a directory of available filming locations. This is incredibly helpful when deciding upon filming locations.
Visit The Locations
The scout will go visit various sites to experience the spaces firsthand, take notes, and capture photographs. The director, director of photography, and production designer, often accompany them to evaluate the locations and ensure they align with their creative vision. Nothing is more important than getting a feel of the locations first-hand.
Clear shooting locations
After selecting a site, it will need to be cleared to begin filming. This will be done by obtaining the property owner’s permission to start filming on their site. It’s always better to secure permission ahead of time than running the risk of having your shoot disrupted by authorities.
Choose Boiling Point To Assist With Scouting
If you are ready to work with a film production company, collaborate with Boiling Point. As a fresh film production & visual effects studio based in Oklahoma City, Boiling Point assists in all aspects of filmmaking, including location scouting. We love collaborating with passionate individuals and projects, fostering strong relationships, and empowering emerging artists to gain valuable experience and develop their skills.
Learn more about Boiling Point Media by getting familiar with our company along with the films we’ve produced. Along with film, check out the marketing services we provide through our advertising, marketing, and production agency. From initial design concepts to full-scale custom development, and all the marketing and brand support you’ll ever need, your film will reach its boiling point with our wide range of filmmaking and marketing services! Contact us by filling out the contact form, seeing us in person, or sending a message online.
Contact Boiling Point
Contact Boiling Point today to learn more about location scouting.
Phone
info@boilingpointmedia.com
Address
7801 N Robinson Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73116