Location Scouting - Work Process

Work Process

Typically ideas for what a filming location should or could be are discussed between production department and locations department (it could be at this point that the locations department is actually created), then research is begun to actually find and document that location using location scout(s).

The Location Scouts and other Locations Department Staff (see below), working under the supervision of the Location Manager, generally strive to provide as many potentially useful/viable ideas and/or options as possible for review by production; often the Assistant Director, Production Manager and subsequently, the Director or even the Executive Producer in the case of narrative filmmaking..

Once a "short list", or consensus indicating the locations with most potential is reached, arrangements are normally made for some of the heads of the other Production Departments to tour those location(s) in person as needed to further confirm suitability of the location(s) in question. This tour is commonly referred to as a "tech scout", "recce" or "go-see".

During this time the Locations Department (specifically, most likely the Location Manager himself in situations requiring the most responsibility) will have already established contact with and begun negotiation with any number of internal and external parties as may have bearing on production's ability to film at the location, otherwise known as "clearing the location", i.e. investigating and confirming availability and agreed upon fees to be paid to a location property owner or agent, obtaining a certicate of insurance, obtaining any needed film permits (may involve fees as per local requirements), distributing "resident letters" or "filming notifications"- written advice to neighbors in the area, advising same of intent to film in the immediate area (often necessary per local requirements as well as morally advisable if production's presence will impact local normal day-to-day activities in any appreciable way) -in general "locking down" or making sure that all details and existing or potential issues are addressed. While it is the Locations Department's job to anticipate and minimize any potential problems associated with a location, it is also the Locations Department's duty to advise other Production Department heads of any unresolvable problems or inherent issues that need consideration so contingencies can be planned or a decision can be made as to whether an alternate location might actually be better suited. In such case plans might be made and budget allocated for further research and location scouting.