The location where the actions in a script for a commercial, movie, music video, and even skits, are brought to life is as important as the other things that make up the success of that production. Having an appropriate location for each scene helps contribute to the believability of most stories; this is why getting a suitable location is important.
Read on to learn more about scouting a location for film production.
Contents
1. Accommodation of Crew
The location comprises the environment where the action takes place and an abode for the crew while production is on. After each day of action, the crew may be too exhausted to move to a different environment to relax. Therefore, an appropriate location should accommodate the crew on a production to eliminate the need to move around before, during, and after each day’s work.
2. Logistics of Equipment and Personnel
For each production day, equipment is needed to move around where the shoot will take place. The movement of equipment happens both ways, from the place they are kept to the location and from the location back to safety. When getting a location, the proximity of the accommodation where the shoot is to take place should be considered.
Moreover, the ease of moving around while getting things done is also important. Crew members may need to get to the abode for an emergency; therefore, being at a location far from the accommodation may be fatal.
3. The Beauty of the Place
Every script has a location that fits it. Before selecting a location, the director must confirm if it suits the script’s description. Visualizing what is written depends largely on how the set is designed to interpret what is written. Location hire helps to get the perfect space that compliments the script.
To get the full picture, a location manager needs to get a place that can be modified or designed to meet the specifications set in the script. For example, a location that is not very spacious will limit a director who needs a football pitch scene. Thus, a director needs to go ahead with the location manager or location scout to confirm if everything on the site is what is needed to actualize the script.
4. Get Permissions
One does not walk into a place and start filming without trying to get appropriate permission from the owners of the place or the authorities. The producers/directors must seek the appropriate authorities and get the needed permissions to shoot to avoid production disruption.
Permission may be required to utilize certain areas of the location for filming purposes. Not every place can be recorded on camera, so the producers must get the necessary permissions before filming.
5. Budget
Before the camera is brought to shoot a film, the budget for that production is analyzed to ensure that it can be catered for. A location should be within the production budget, so it is necessary to scout for a location beforehand. Scouting for a location will give the production crew time to know what to spend and what type of location fits their spending power.
Conclusion
A location for a movie production is an indispensable part of that production; hence it is pertinent to get one that will help push the right narrative that the script has. The correct setting aids the story and contributes to creating a convincing world in films. Getting the right location is important to reduce cost, ease the movement of tools and crew, and accommodate the crew, among other benefits.
