Location Scout

The job of the location scout is to find a location that matches, or come as close as possible to matching the location described in the script, along with any logistical information how accessible is the location to production crew and vehicles, is there electrical available on site or will you need a generator? These are just a few of the question a good location scout would be able to answer all in an effort to assist in pinpointing the exact location for a scene(s).

I'm thinking that it would be fun to be working on a big budget film as a location scout with the expense account and budget to travel the world searching out exotic locations for the blockbuster motion picture I'm sure would follow, but then again, I'm always thinking in the ideal. So let's take a look at some movie shooting locations in the bright key-light of reality. To me, a truly low budget film is basically shot in one location. Be prepared to add more zeroes to your budget with each new location you add. Unless you're shooting a major motion picture like 12 Angry Men, filmed in one location (a courthouse) with most of the scenes taking place in the jury and the courtroom, again, I refer to "the ideal," especially with all the high power talent that appeared in that the black & white motion picture 12 Angry Men.

Whether your production is locked down at one solid location, or your script calls for several different locations the job of location scout can be key to keeping your production on time and on schedule. On time because it will list your proposed shooting date(s) and the approximate hours of your shoot, and on schedule, because it should eliminate any last minuter surprises like parking, available electrical power, or perhaps the location owner's permission, in advance, to attach a piece of lighting equipment to some part of the location owner's home. (it happens!)

With nothing to slow your production roll, you can't help but stay on time, right?! Well let's just say, that would be the ideal situation. There are many sources online now-days where you can get location scouting information. You really may not need all the information I have seen crammed on to a location scouting sheet, but I suppose the more you have the fewer question about a particular location you will have, while you're setting up your camera(s) A good location scouting sheet will answer questions like: are there any fees involved for shooting, is the shooting Interior or Exterior, (or both) a route to the location, if the location happens to be hidden in the mountains. Parking fees, travel time, is there phone, or cellular service available?

What is the best day for the shoot, permit office address, police contact, the name of the property owner (especially if you have them held up in a hotel several miles away:-) In some cases, even the size of the doorways at the location, or whether or not there is an elevator can be important intel. Is there nearby construction or other unavoidable production/potential-showstoppers you might have to deal with?

Did you forget the camera, location releases, certificate of insurance---okay, I'm just messing with you. (about forgetting the camera) All of the things I have listed above and a lot more can be part of a location scouting sheet. When I first started making films, then videos, then digital I didn't follow any of the above, mainly because I didn't know about them. As my shoots grew more sophisticated and I ended up working in the industry, I learned what a lifesaver knowing as much as you can about your intended shooting location, in advance, can be to your production and your peace of mind.

I still have some of the old paper Location Scout Sheets even though my laptop holds all of my location info these days. There is also lots of other cool information about location scouting out here on the information superhighway, hopefully, you will find the above suggestions useful.