Can AI Be Used to Scout Locations? Absolutely!

Using AI for location scouting is not just possible but incredibly effective. To illustrate how it works, let’s walk through a practical example. Suppose you’re looking for a filming location near Boston for a sailboat commercial. In the final scene, a beautiful couple sits on the aft deck, enjoying a seafood platter as the setting sun casts a red glow over the ocean.

Here’s how my workflow using ChatGPT-4.0 unfolds. I copied our conversation directly from the chat.

Me:
I need help finding a filming location near Boston.

AI:
Of course! Can you provide more details about what kind of location you’re looking for? Here are some questions to help narrow it down:

• What kind of environment are you looking for? (e.g., urban, natural, indoor, industrial, historic, etc.)
• Do you have any specific requirements? (e.g., unique architectural details, large open spaces, specific backdrops)
• What is the purpose of the filming? (e.g., movie, commercial, music video, photoshoot)
• Are there any logistical needs? (e.g., parking, electricity, access for a large team)
• When is the filming scheduled? (specific date or season)

Give me as many details as possible, and I’ll do my best to find a location near Boston that meets your needs!

Me:

• Ocean environment.
• Open horizon. We will be filming a sunset.
• Commercial for a sailboat.
• We need to operate from a large harbor, where we will also need to rent several support boats.
• Filming will take place on May 15, 2025.

AI:
Based on your specific requirements for a sailboat commercial near Boston, here are some recommended filming locations:

1. Gloucester Harbor

• Why it works: Gloucester, about 25 miles north of Boston, is one of the oldest fishing ports in the U.S. and offers an authentic ocean environment with an open horizon.
• *Perfect for capturing sunsets over the ocean.*
• Logistics: Large marinas and boat companies for renting sailboats and support boats.
• Uniqueness: A historic and well-equipped harbor accustomed to handling film productions.

2. Marblehead Harbor

• Why it works: Known as the sailing capital of New England, Marblehead offers picturesque ocean views and a large harbor.
• *Views westward over open water, ideal for sunset scenes.*
• Logistics: Several marinas capable of renting sailboats and support boats.
• Uniqueness: A charming coastal town with professional infrastructure for nautical needs.

3. New Bedford Harbor

• Why it works: About 55 miles south of Boston, New Bedford provides access to open water and is one of the largest commercial harbors in the region.
• *Clear horizon over Buzzards Bay, perfect for filming sunsets.*
• Logistics: A large harbor with abundant boat rentals and professional services.
• Uniqueness: A mix of industrial and scenic environments, offering a dynamic background.

Me:
Can you confirm that all these locations offer good opportunities for filming sunsets?
I’m thinking that all these places are on the East Coast, and the sun sets in the west!

AI:
You’re absolutely right! Since all these locations are on the East Coast of the U.S., where the sun sets in the west, capturing a sunset over open water can be challenging. This is a geographical limitation that affects most locations along the Massachusetts coastline.

Alternative Solution: Film at Sunrise
A practical solution is to film at sunrise, as it can visually achieve the same effect as a sunset with editing. Since the sun rises in the east, East Coast locations are ideal for capturing the sun rising over the ocean.

Using AI in scouting contexts can be extremely powerful, but it’s important to remember that AI won’t always deliver the results you’re looking for, as it lacks its own reasoning. AI relies entirely on long-term learning, and it’s likely that issues like these will be easy to resolve for tomorrow’s AI models.