Location Scouting - Booking A Site

Booking A Site

Only after all the steps above, if a location is still viable and available, it is "confirmed" or "booked". Usually a legally binding location contract is drawn up and signed by all parties involved and a property release is obtained, which is written, signed permission from the property owner or agent allowing photography of and public depiction via media (i.e. broadcast, video, film, print publication).

Once a location reaches the "booked" stage, there are very few acceptable reasons for filming to not commence as planned. At this point many man-hours of paid production work and considerable amounts of money for location fees and/or permits have typically been invested with the chosen location in mind. A change of creative concept at this stage or glitch of any kind (i.e. property owner cancellation) is potentially very costly to production and legal action is an unfortunate possible consequence if no other acceptable remedy can be made. On the flip side of the coin, if production somehow misrepresents itself with regard to its activities, stated intended use of the location, damages property (insurance protecting the property owner should be required for any shoot) or negligently causes other problems for the property owner, property owner is likely to seek remedy in any of many forms available, including the legal system. In summary, it's always best if everybody "plays nice".