Location scouting is a crucial part of pre-production. The right location literally “sets the scene” for your project, but the wrong one can be a logistical and creative nightmare. 

We’re going to walk you through why location scouting is so important and some tips to help you find the perfect location for your project each and every time. 

Why is Location Scouting Important?

Location scouting is about more than just finding the right room or park for a specific scene. Location scouting allows key members of the crew to walk through the space they want to shoot in and ensure it not only looks great but can support the needs of the shooting crew and cast. 

It also is a great time to uncover any potential problems with the location, such as lack of adequate lighting or power.  

10 Tips to Find The Perfect Location For Your Next Scene

Tip #1: Use the script as your guideline.

While this may seem obvious at first blush, the script holds the most important information when it comes to finding the right location to shoot a certain scene. Each and every noteworthy element must be considered. 

Is the shoot a period piece? Does it take place in a certain kind of park in a certain part of the world? What elements does the writer describe being included in the space the scene takes place? What time of day is it supposed to be? 

Carefully review every part of the script so that you can go into your location scout with a solid picture of exactly what kind of location you’ll need for each scene you’re planning to shoot. 

Tip #2: Account for the weather and seasons.

This is especially important if you’re shooting a scene outdoors, as a sunny summer day becomes incredibly difficult to film in the middle of a snowstorm, but it’s also important to keep in mind for interior locations as well. If the location is at the top of a steep hill in an area prone to snow or regular heavy rainfall, getting your crew in and out safely and efficiently may be problematic. 

You’ll also want to check the weather reports in your desired location for the days you’re planning to shoot to see if any bad weather may be on the horizon. 

Tip #3: Check for power sources and wattage limits.

If there's one thing that nearly every camera crew needs, it's electricity. Whether you just need to pop a few battery chargers on to charge or you're powering 10,000-watt lights, you're going to need to get electricity from somewhere. 

Carefully evaluate where power sources are located at your chosen location and consider whether or not you'll need to supply additional power via a generator. 

Tip #4: Note all light sources.

Shooting in a loft with floor-to-ceiling windows is very different from shooting in a windowless basement, so you'll want to note exactly where light enters your chosen location (if it does at all). 

And speaking of floor to ceiling windows, if you're shooting outdoors or in a location with lots of windows, you'll want to make a note of the position of the sun at different times of the day, as this can drastically affect what angles will be usable at what times the day of the shoot.