LOCATION SCOUTING

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LOCATION SCOUTING
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Where To Begin

• Location Breakdown
• Research
• Consultations with Director, Production Designer,
  and UPM
• Scouting
• For creative needs
• For logistical needs

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Creating a Location Breakdown

• List all locations
• List Scene s to be shot in each location
• List 1/8ths to be shot in each location
• List approximate duration of shoot for each
  location (if schedule available)
• Summarize Primary Fact
• Facts about the location indicated in the
  slugline, in character dialogue, or character
  interaction with the environment
• Summarize Secondary Facts
• Descriptions in the scene text that do not
  directly affect dialogue or character
  interaction.
• Summarize Potential Structural Issues
• Will wallpaper or installing of fixtures be
  required, etc.?

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Understanding Primary vs. Secondary Facts

• A Primary Fact is tied to location identity
  (slugline), direct dialogue, or specific action
  of the character
• INT. HIGH RISE OFFICE - DAY The fact of the
  office is non-negotiable. The Location Scout
  cant decide the scene would be better on the
  beach.
• John, will you open the sliding glass door.
  John cant then stand up and open a French door.
• Cathie looks out the window. Clearly, the room
  will have to have a window if Cathie must look
  out of it.

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Understanding Primary vs. Secondary Facts

• A Secondary Fact is any descriptor or feature
  that can potentially be abandoned without
  directly affecting the actors or the scene
• Room layout that does not directly affect
  character action.
• Colors and textures.
• Really anything that a character doesnt interact
  with or refer to.
• Note The Location Scout does not view these
  facts as unimportant but understands that some
  aspects of practical locations must be flexible
  or no film would ever be shot outside a studio or
  backlot.

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Conducting Research

• Before consulting the Director or Production
  Designer, the Location Scout should make sure
  he/she understand the design language of the
  script.
• E.G. period research, architectural research,
  cultural research, professional research (what
  does an accounting office look like?)

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Consultation

• Always check your assumptions
• Does your understanding square with the
  Directors and the Designers?
• Are there things in the script they plan on
  changing in production.
• What are the logistical needs of the crew? Ask
  the UPM.

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Scouting Questions Part 1

• Does this location serve the creative needs of
  the script?
• Primary Facts present?
• Secondary Fact present or possible?
• Does this location serve the logistical needs of
  the crew?
• Bathrooms?
• Staging areas? Catering space?
• Parking?
• Power?
• Ease of access? Loading areas?

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Scouting Questions Part 2

• Does this location avoid unnecessary headaches?
• Sound issues?
• Planes, trains, construction, busy highways,
  schools, fire stations, etc.
• Permits necessary?
• Film friendly neighbors?
• Safe?
• Heavy vehicle or pedestrian traffic?

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Scouting Questions Part 3

• Basic info?
• Address? Directions?
• Compass/sun orientation?
• Adjacent properties/businesses?
• Who controls this location?
• Owners contact info?
• Renters contact info?
• Permitting authority info?
• Can we get it?
• Never show a director a location that youre not
  95 sure you can get.

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How to Shoot Location Photos

• Shoot lots of photos. Sort and select later.
• Shoot master shots of every room, establishing
  shots of every exterior.
• Shoot every direction.
• Cover all important features, especially primary
  facts.
• Cover all entrances/exits.
• Shoot panoramic views.
• Shoot multiple lighting situations.
• Shoot staging areas and parking where applicable.

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Creating a Site Plan

• Parking for cast crew.
• Parking for trucks, genny.
• Loading areas.
• Holding areas.
• Catering Craft Service.

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Why Create a Site Plan?

• Check to make sure location meets logistical
  needs
• Guides crew loading in on day of shoot (where
  does this grip truck go, anyway?)
• Shows permitting authority that a professional
  crew knows what theyre doing

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