How to location scout for film

How to location scout for film

Location scouting is the act of finding physical locations to act as fictional locations for film or television. A location scout is a professional whose job it is to find and secure locations for scenes that fit the production’s needs. They collaborate with production staff to break down the script, understand the needs of each scene (for example, will there be an aerial shot?) After identifying locations, scouts obtain permission to visit the property (typically with other members of the team such as the director, producers, and cinematographer) and then, after a location is selected, they obtain permission to film on that location.

Here’s how to location scout for film!

Break down the script. Do you know how to break down a script? That’s step one for location scouts (unless a producer has provided you with a breakdown.) Here’s a great article on how to do it, plus a free download for a breakdown sheet (thanks, Studio Binder!)

Next, identify possible locations. Do research to see what locations might work well for shooting. While doing this, you’re going to need to keep in mind a lot of things: not just how it will look on camera, but also the budget and the logistics of this specific spot. Here’s an article about four things to consider while looking for locations that will make your life way easier.

Get permission to scout the site, and then visit. You should make sure that you have permission to visit the site, especially if you’re bringing a group. If it’s just going to be you checking out a coffee shop that’s open to the public or a street corner, you probably don’t need permission. If it’s someone’s private property, a home, or a business that you’ve been corresponding with, you’ll want to get permission to come and set a time that works for the owner. Then, go to the location, either by yourself or with other production staff.

Make sure you’re taking good pictures while you’re there, especially if other people aren’t on site with you. You’ll need to have at least decent camera skills, and taking a video can’t hurt either. People should be able to look at your images and understand the layout of the location, and imagine where they might shoot.

Lock in the location. Once you and the production team have settled on a location, lock it in. This means you’ll confirm dates and times, as well as getting a signed location release. Here’s a template for a location release form, also from Studio Binder.

The skills that you’ll need to be a location scout are varied. You’ll need to be able to collaborate with other production staff, think creatively about what locations might work, have strong research and networking skills, and be able to coordinate dates, times, and contracts.