What is location scouting
Location scouting is a process of searching for and later investigating the venue for your video or photo project. There are numerous factors to consider, otherwise, you will just waste your time and — quite possibly — budget.
There are two main approaches. First, you can spot a location and then come up with an idea that fits these exact settings. For example, you see a picturesque medieval castle and envisage a dark gothic music video.
Another option is to go by scenario and a storyboard. That means, you create a script first (or at least develop a concept of your future project), and only then look for the video location of your dream.
Planning and preparation
At this stage decide on your topic, as it will influence the possible venue choice greatly. Then, define your purposes and target audience. A commercial video and a highly creative project will demand drastically different locations, even with the same subject.
Also, some vlog types just imply certain video shoot locations: restaurants for food vlogs, landmarks for travel vlogs, etc.
Don’t forget to check the accessibility and infrastructure. The venue may be the best of the best, but if there are no ways to get there, park, or set up needed equipment and lighting — you’d better look for something else.
Last but not least — legal arrangements. Public areas are open, as long as you don’t bother other people, infringe on their rights, or shoot their faces without permission. Private venues are a little bit more tricky: sometimes you can negotiate and get permission for free or for some service, such as an advertisement on your channel. In other cases, you’ll have to pay.
Location scouting
They say it may not be such a bad idea to hire professional location scouts or avail of a venue out of the library on specialized sites. For example, Scouty, Giggster.
If your project is not so elaborate, you can find the proper place by yourself with the help of social media with visual focus, for example, Pinterest or Instagram. Google Maps and Google Earth can also come in handy.
Don’t disregard "physical" recce as well: head off on a little hiking trip, investigate places to shoot videos nearby, and check if they look exactly as you need. Photos and even videos may be misleading, after all, and venues tend to change over time.
Location characteristics
While scouting, consider the following aspects (some of them we have already mentioned, but the message merits repetition).
Sound: If it’s an indoor location, make sure your voice will not echo as in a clove. For example, furniture and wallpapers dampen sound and make it softer. Noise: What if the location is somewhere near the highway or a construction site? Maybe this waterfall looks splendid in the pics, but can you hear a word because of its roar? Think of it in advance. Lighting: Natural lighting is almost always the best (if only you don’t need some specific atmosphere for a highly creative project). Artificial one is also ok, but don’t mix! That’s the worst solution, as people and objects look unnatural and blueish. Of course, you can edit video colors and light later, during the post-shooting stage, but still. Accessibility: Just a small reminder: if you succeeded in getting to the location on foot, it doesn’t mean it would be so accessible by car, especially if you drive a van. Also remember about permissions and licenses, where needed.
Venue scouting tips
- Check on the place at the planned shooting time. For example, if you’re going to shoot at the Golden Hour — that’s exactly when you have to come to the venue before it, to check what the light looks like, where the shadows are, etc.
- Take snaps and notes. Don’t trust your memory, especially if the shooting will not take place right the next day.
- Negotiate. Collaboration opens up a ton of doors.
- Have Plan B. Who knows what may happen? The venue may get under reconstruction, or it will be taken by someone else, or it will be just raining there the needed day. Don’t waste time on chaotic looking for an alternative, have it already on your list.
FAQs
What is location scouting?
Location scouting is the process of finding and securing venues and properties for your video project. It also involves getting all the details about renting/using the property, logistics, analyzing, and a lion’s share of creative thinking.
Is permission always needed to film on location?
Not always, but it’s always better to double-check.
How to ask for permission to film on location?
Politely :) Contact local authorities or the owner of the venue, if there is one. Quite often you can even get all the access for free or for advertisement.
Final thoughts
Each shooting stage, even the smallest and shortest, impacts the overall project success, and location scouting is no exception. There are various ways to find an ideal venue, and we hope we helped you to investigate at least some of them deeply.
