Everything You Need to Know About Location Scouting

2. Research the geographical whereabouts of the location

There’s more to a location than just your immediate surroundings. Take a look at where your prospective location is situated relative to other parts of your shoot. Is it close enough to your other locations that your cast and crew will have time to get there on the day of the shoot? Is there public transit nearby, or will you have to arrange for private transportation?

There’s no point in renting a beautiful hilltop mansion if the only road is so narrow that your equipment truck won’t fit. Do your research ahead of time, so there won’t be any surprises. It’s also a good idea to take note of the closest hospital (in case of emergency) as well as nearby restaurants and stores, for picking up lunch or any last-minute supplies.

3. Take pictures

Ideally, you’ll want to visit the location with your core crew, including the director of photography and production designer. No matter how many people visit the location with you, take as many pictures as you can for reference. Once you’ve begun looking at a few dozen locations, they’ll start to blend together, so you’ll want to have notes and photos you can look at later.

Besides, everything looks different on camera. Take pictures from a few different angles so you can see what it will actually look like when your cast and crew is in place. Have someone stand in for your lead actor if you can. Don’t forget to take pictures of the exterior too.

4. Consider the logistics

The best time to visit a location is the time of day that you’ll actually be shooting. If you plan to shoot at sunrise or sunset, come back for a second visit around that time. Decide whether you’ll have enough light to work with or if you’ll need to rent more gear.

Don’t forget to ask the landlord or property owner if the electrical system can handle the amount of lighting you need. Is electricity included in the rental fee, or will you be expected to provide your own generator? How about toilets? Is there one for your cast and crew to use, or will you have to rent a porta-pottie? It’s always best to ask these things ahead of time.

5. Observe your surrounding environment

In addition to lighting, pay attention to any noise or other environmental factors that may get in the way of your shoot. Will you pick up the sound of the refrigerator or air conditioning during your shoot? Can you turn off electrical appliances that you don’t need?

Consider paying a visit to the neighbors as well. The location may be quiet when you visit on a Saturday, but if the next building over is a church or a school, the whole neighborhood may be too loud to shoot in on a Sunday or Monday.