Scouting and Securing Locations
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Features. Docs. Branded content. Web series. Corporate films. All require unique settings that help tell the stories. We will break down the goals, process and deliverables required to effectively scout locations. With this in hand, students will be better prepared to make the decisions that lead to a more efficient production in the field and better footage in the can. Originally presented at Post | Production World 2015 at NABShow.
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Scouting and Securing Locations
- 3. Production PHOTOGRAPHY • Smaller Production • Less People • Shorter Window • Less Complex Needs CINEMATOGRAPHY • Larger Production • More People • Larger Window • More Complex Needs
- 4. • Understand production’s aesthetic • Assemble example photos • Digital (PDF) is most flexible • Get sign off from lead creative Look Book
- 5. What does the production require? Logistics • Power • Water • Bathrooms • Food • Clearance • Safety • Shelter • Travel • Aesthetic • Access • Props • Budget
- 6. • Local Film Offices • Photo Location Apps (e.g. Photo Pills) • Photo Communities (e.g. Flickr, 500px) • Personal & Professional Network Resources
- 8. • Location Log (Evernote) • Street Address & GPS • Google Earth • Google “My Maps” Location
- 9. My Maps
- 10. My Maps
- 11. • Digital Camera • PanoScout • The Photographer’s Ephemeris Aesthetic
- 12. Logistics • Location Log (Evernote) • Sample Contract with Release • Business Cards
- 13. • Map Your Route(s) in Google Maps • Note Proximity to: • Food, Fuel, Shelter, Shopping • Call ahead to establish POC • Can you eliminate in pre-scout? Pre-Scout
- 15. Risk Factors • Health (e.g. disease, pollution) • Structural (e.g. electrical, construction) • Environmental (e.g. animals, traffic) • Criminal (e.g. known dangerous area) Safety
- 16. • Is it a “Look Book” match? • If not, is it close? • Could it “get there”? At what cost? • Is it something surprising? New? Aesthetic
- 17. • Scout at same TOD as intended shoot • Note direction and quality of light • Note location of windows • Note level of ambient sound • Note traffic patterns (people & vehicles) Time Of Day
- 18. • On-Site Power? • Outlet locations for all spaces • Normal & Available System Load • Location of Breaker Box • OK to use a generator? Power
- 19. • Lodging Proximity (e.g. Hotels, AirBnB) • Shelter from environment • Rain or extreme weather • Camera & other setup space Shelter
- 20. • Hours of Access • Be sure to include setup & strike • Equipment Storage • Onsite Security • Vehicle Parking Access
- 21. • Craft Services Ready? • Kitchen? Refrigerator? Tables? • Proximity to restaurants or food truck? • Proximity to grocery stores? Food
- 22. • Access to Restrooms • Available Seating • Green Room or private changing space • Space for private conversation Comfort
- 23. • Proximity to other locations • Proximity to fuel • If extremely remote … … does aesthetic merit added cost? … does location present safety risk? Travel
- 24. • Confirm following of Point of Contact • Owner or Authorized Rep? • Reliable Contact Information • Primary, Secondary and Tertiary • Committed to production’s success? POC
- 25. • Get the following in writing: • Cost (if any), include non-$ payment • Location, brand and staff clearances • Dates & times of access • Access allowances & restrictions Legal
- 26. • Consider the following: • Primary Costs (e.g. rental) • Secondary Costs (e.g. lodging, fuel) • Soft Costs (e.g. time, travel, safety) Budget
- 28. • Script (if film) • Look Book • Storyboard • Camera Setups Pre-Vis
- 29. Ask lead creative for deliverable reqs • Image size, resolution & format • Aspect ratio (4:3, 16:9, anamorphic) • Alternate angles • Sun & TOD information Photo
- 30. Done well, video can be a better reference • Captures more info, more quickly • Stills can be captured from video • With 360/VR, can be immersive Video
- 32. • Only ask if the location has potential • Payment Options • Free (never hurts to ask) • Promotional consideration • In-Kind (e.g. photo/video license) • Straight Dollars COST
- 33. • Get the following in writing: • Cost (if any), include non-$ payment • Location, brand and staff clearances • Dates & times of access • Access allowances & restrictions Legal
- 34. Location Reports
- 35. CONTENT • Power • Water • Bathrooms • Food • Clearance • Safety • Shelter • Travel • Aesthetic • Access • Props • Budget What did the production require?
- 36. CONTENT For each location, provide: • Hero photo + alternative angles • Check list based on provide reqs • Description for each as needed • Budget details • Contact information
- 37. B “The Only Thing Constant Is Change “ – Heraclitus
- 38. BACKUP Weather changes. Location owners reconsider or flake at the last minute. Include contingency locations for each primary location presented.
- 39. TOOLS Emerging, interactive tools • Production Pro (app & service) • pixelkit.io (stills) • frame.io & wipster.io (video)
- 40. EXAMPLE
- 41. Final Thoughts • Be professional • Demonstrate your skill/eye • But, recognize that: • You are not the artist, DP or director • You were hired to provide information
- 42. Questions?
- 43. Doug Daulton Creative Director & CSO doug@signalworx.com @dougdaulton signalworx.com @signalworx 702.767.8025