7 Tips for Picking a Location to Film
Picking the right filming location will ensure your shoot day runs smoothly. You must consider many factors that may impact the picture, sound, and schedule. Here is a list of 7 tips to help select an ideal place to record.
Scout it.
Schedule a pre-shoot scout day for the production company to get a sense of the space. If that isn’t possible, share pictures/videos of the space so that they have an idea of what to expect. The more pre-production you do, the smoother the production process will go. A scout will help you answer the following questions.
Is it quiet?
Avoid locations in close proximity to construction sites, traffic, or areas where people convene. Sound issues during production can make post-production more time-intensive and thus more expensive. The more controlled the location, the better.
Where will the gear go?
Production involves gear and crew. Tiny offices, although quiet and private, tend to be restrictive as shooting locations. Depending on the scope of the shoot, you will likely need separate spaces to stage gear, set up a hair/make-up station, hold talent/crew, and serve lunch.
How do you access it?
If there are multiple stairways leading up to the location, it’s ideal if there is an accessible service elevator. That said, access to one elevator can make loading in and out a time-consuming process, so account for that in your schedule if a lot of gear will be moved in and out.
Where can people park?
If there is no on-site parking, you may need to shuttle people from an off-site parking lot. Remember that crew members may also need to load gear in prior to parking off-site, so determine where they can do this (maybe in a loading zone).
What’s the light like?
Are there large windows or no windows in the location? Are the ceilings high enough for lights? How will the changing sun position affect your shoot? What is the electrical situation? Consult your production company with each of these questions so they can plan accordingly.
Where’s the bathroom?
Don’t forget that you’ll need a bathroom that cast and crew members can use.