Location Scouting for Video and Photo Projects

Course details

A great location is essential for your video production or photo shoot—you need the ideal setting to successfully tell your story. Yet the process of finding and securing a location can be challenging, and there are a lot of considerations beyond just finding a site. In this course, learn about the steps you need to take before you begin scouting, where to start your search, and how to conduct a site survey to ensure your location will be a success technically as well as visually. Plus, learn about the process of securing a site including permitting, acquiring location releases, and abiding local laws and restrictions. This course was created by RHED Pixel. We are pleased to offer this training in our library.

Learning objectives
What is location scouting?
Time and budget
Location goals
Searching for your location
Permits
Conducting a site survey
Sound and art direction considerations
Sun calculations
Location releases

Concepts

Introduction

How does location scouting work

The Importance of the Location

What is location scouting
The reason we do location scouting

Before You Begin Scouting

Identifying your scenes
Identifying your time and budget restrictions
Identifying the logistic needs of your production
Identifying your possible shoot dates
Identifying the creative needs of your production
Creating your location goals and checklist

Finding Your Location

Where do you start to look for locations
Submitting a location request
Is there a need for permits
Getting the most out of your location

Beginning an Onsite Survey

Who should go on the site survey
Creative decisions to make
What gear do you need to bring on your location scout
Answering location questions with virtual scouting

What to Accomplish on Your Survey

Technical considerations
Essential sun calculations
Forecasting and monitoring the weather
Know your shooting environment
Sound considerations
Art direction considerations
Location access and time of day considerations
Identifying production risks
Confirming possible scenes
Identifying local laws and restrictions
Identifying resources for production
Identifying staging
Internet connectivity
Securing written permission and location releases

Conclusion

Next steps