Curious to find out more? Here are our top tips on choosing the ideal filming location for your project.
Trial run
Try before you buy…but with location scouting. This will ultimately eliminate any unnecessary guesswork. As a result, your production team will be able to find out exactly what works and what does not. Way before the camera crew starts rolling. Through trial runs you’ll be able to see the positives and negatives of each location. In the end, you will be able to come to a decision of which location is more desirable without the fear of wasting money, time, or effort.
Producing a report will allow you to have a clear breakdown of all aspects that need to be considered before you make your decision. Having this report and updating it with each location visited means that when it comes to decision making you do not have to rely on your memory. Instead, you can review your report objectively and come to a decision that way. A detailed location report is perfect to identity various surprises that you may have missed to the naked eye.
The logistics
Before allowing your creative mind to go wild, it is important to consider the logistics. How are you getting in? How long will you be able to be there? How will you get out?
It is the basic things that are equally as important as the lighting and the sound. Check the surroundings of the location too. For instance, being next to a busy road or a building site means extra precautions need to be taken for the safety of your crew.
Some locations may also be more difficult to reach than others. Therefore, taking note of important landmarks to help you find your location is essential in order to ensure smooth operation.
The lighting
Many people fear that finding the ‘right’ lighting is the hardest part of choosing a great filming location however it’s not as difficult as it may seem. You can often find that you can work with what you’ve got. The most important thing to consider is creating the feel and look that appears naturally lit. Knowing how much natural vs artificial light is essential for successfully choosing the location based on lighting.
Another important thing to note is the time of year! Following October, our days get shorter and DARKER. We lose a fair amount of daylight, placing more pressure on the filming crew.
The sound
This is arguably the most vital consideration of them all. This is often separate into two sections: sound within the location and sound outside the location. Both are equally as important.
Key considerations:
- Little to no echo as possible: rooms with soft furniture are ideal as they absorb sound better
- Surrounding sounds: close your eyes and listen to what you can hear…really focus on it
- Note that everything that you can control and sounds like are out of your control
So FLP’s advice is, take your time with your research. Time used to research is time used wisely. It takes one unexpected problem to put your whole filming in jeopardy. Therefore, research and create a report that is as detailed as it can be. Don’t forget to include notes, videos, photos, audio recordings, and wider research.