Locations

Most of the time a production will have a Locations Manager(s). These individuals will research and identify locations and areas that are acceptable to film in. They will also try to ensure that they meet the standards, expectations and visions that the producer and director have. Location scouts are also available to assist these managers in researching and exploring possible ideas and options for filming environments. It is important for these individuals to research the areas that they want to film in for various reasons. They want to ensure that:

• There are no/ not many potential health and safety risks
• The weather will not become a limitation or risk
• The distance to travel to the destination is not too great
•  It is accessable to all members within the production
• The facility/ environment is not going to cost a huge sum of money

Location managers and scouts have various ways of exploring and identifying different areas to film in. Libraries, local location offices and location resources and all offered and available to the production.

After identifying location(s) that fit the requirements of the production, Location scouts will explore these further ensuring that these environments are suitable and appropriate. These individuals may take photographs and notes about the surrounding area. It is important for Location scouts to take notes of their full environment which includes potential sounds that could disrupt the recording and filming. Some properties that they may wish to use might have a fee or significant cost to use so the production team needs to be aware of this and identify this if they still want to use this as a filming location.

Location scouts are required to do a recce checklist and form. This recce checklist has a number of things that need to be identified and remembered when at the chosen location(s). The recce form is to be able to identify important factors and what needs to be understood correctly. These are things such as:

• The areas health and safety risks
• Accessability and electric supply

The final procedure that needs to be completed is a Locations evaluation. This underlines how the whole area/ facility is altogether which can include:

• Strengths and weaknesses
• If it is an appropriate location
• Health and safety risk factors
• Potential costs