How to Find and Secure the Perfect Locations

Finding the perfect location for a shoot is an art – a mix of creativity, logistics, and planning. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, it's crucial to understand the methods that make location scouting successful. Here, we share insights to validate your expertise and give beginners a solid foundation.

1. Start with a Clear Vision

How often have you heard something like: "We need a location that’s both affordable and iconic"? To avoid misunderstandings and wasted time, it’s vital that everyone on the production team – from creatives to producers – agrees on the vision before scouting begins.

• Clarity saves time: Gather the creatives, producers, and the location scout for a detailed briefing. A representative should document all decisions. Think about everything from budget and logistics to aesthetic requirements.

• Be realistic: If the script describes an iconic location that may be difficult to access, consider alternative scenarios early. For instance: "A plane crashes in the city center or in a forest" – two visions with vastly different budgets.

By involving a professional location scout early in pre-production, you can identify realistic options and avoid unpleasant surprises.

2. Secure the Location as Soon as It’s Found

Once you’ve found a fantastic location, the real work begins. Recognize this scenario? The creatives and production team celebrate finding a key location, but weeks later, it becomes uncertain.

• Why does this happen? Often, the location isn’t contracted promptly. The location scout is busy finding other locations, pushing this task aside.

• Solution: Secure the location as soon as it’s identified. If all details aren’t finalized, create a preliminary agreement allowing for adjustments later. This minimizes the risk of losing the location.

A binding agreement ensures you avoid last-minute crises that could delay the entire production.

3. The Perfect Location Might Not Exist

Sometimes, the "perfect" location simply isn’t available. It may be booked, too expensive, or have restrictions that make it unusable. Here’s how to handle this:

• Think creatively: An experienced scout can suggest alternative locations that still align with the vision.

• Have a plan B: Build flexibility into the script and budget to handle unexpected challenges. For example, a scene requiring a "city" could be filmed in a well-designed studio using visual effects.

By giving the scout time to explore different options early, you save time and resources later.

4. Social Media – A Last Resort

Using social media to find locations might seem tempting, but it should be a last resort. Why?

• Risk of cancellations: Many locations found through social media are offered by people seeking a moment of fame. When they realize what’s involved, they often back out.

• Trained judgment is key: An experienced location scout using the same platforms has a trained eye to filter out unreliable options or determine if extra effort can make them viable. Production personnel often lack this expertise, leading to issues at the last minute.

• Missed details: Social media often provides a superficial view of a location. A professional scout ensures that crucial details – from parking availability to ownership rights – are addressed.

Always prioritize quality and reliability over convenience when selecting a location.

Summary – Do It Right from the Start

Finding and securing the perfect location requires planning, communication, and professionalism. Here are the key takeaways:

• Have a clear vision and ensure the entire team is aligned.

• Contract locations as soon as they’re identified to avoid uncertainty.

• Be open to creative solutions when the "perfect" location isn’t available.

• Use social media cautiously – professional methods yield better results.

By following these strategies, you can ensure smooth productions and demonstrate your expertise in finding solutions that make projects successful.