The importance of Location Scouts
Imagine you're in the middle of filming an important interview, only to be interrupted by loud drilling from a nearby construction site—every few minutes. There’s nothing more disruptive than having to stop every few minutes due to background noise or changing light when filming.
When filming on location—especially at an unfamiliar spot—it’s crucial to conduct a location scout before the day of your shoot.
Skipping the location scout can lead to avoidable issues. Problems like excessive background noise, poor lighting, and cramped or unsuitable filming areas can easily disrupt your shoot and slow things down.
During a location scout, these potential problems can be identified, and alternative locations found if necessary. Let’s dive into what we focus on when conducting a location scout.
Picking the Best Area to Film
During the walk through of the location, we look for a background with visual interest while maintaining relevance to the subject matter. If there are only a few rooms to choose from, rooms that provides enough space for all necessary lights and cameras. If we encounter blank walls, we plan to add props or decorations to bring some texture and visual appeal to an otherwise dull background—because let’s face it, white walls are extremely uninteresting.
Identifying Potential Disruptions
While assessing potential filming areas, we keep an eye (and ear) out for anything that might cause disruptions. Common issues include excessive background noise or uncontrollable lighting situations that could affect us on the day of the shoot.
Assessing Access
Often overlooked but equally important is access to the location. Easy access is essential for getting equipment in and out. If a location lacks ramp access or has narrow walkways, we may need to adjust arrival times to ensure there's enough time to move equipment in and set up before the shoot begins.
We also consider crew parking, clearance heights of any parking structures, and the distance from parking to the filming site. Frequent parking interruptions, such as needing to move cars every two hours due to parking restrictions in busy areas, can significantly disrupt the day’s flow.
Armed with information from the scout, we can make more informed decisions about the equipment that will be required as well as plan the logistics of the shoot more accurately. By taking the time to conduct a location scout, you're setting your shoot up for success, minimizing disruptions, and maximizing efficiency.
You know what’s also worth scouting out? Our contact page! Where you can get a same day quote!