Scouting and Securing Locations

Scout & Secure Locations

Requirements Gathering

ProductionPHOTOGRAPHY

• Smaller Production

• Less People

• Shorter Window

• Less Complex Needs

CINEMATOGRAPHY

• Larger Production

• More People

• Larger Window

• More Complex Needs

• Understand production’s aesthetic

• Assemble example photos

• Digital (PDF) is most flexible

• Get sign off from lead creative

Look Book

What does the production require?

Logistics

• Power

• Water

• Bathrooms

• Food

• Clearance

• Safety

• Shelter

• Travel

• Aesthetic

• Access

• Props

• Budget

• Local Film Offices

• Photo Location Apps (e.g. Photo Pills)

• Photo Communities (e.g. Flickr, 500px)

• Personal & Professional Network

Resources

Essential Tools

• Location Log (Evernote)

• Street Address & GPS

• Google Earth

• Google “My Maps”

Location

My Maps

My Maps

• Digital Camera

• PanoScout

• The Photographer’s Ephemeris

Aesthetic

Logistics

• Location Log (Evernote)

• Sample Contract with Release

• Business Cards

• Map Your Route(s) in Google Maps • Note Proximity to: • Food, Fuel, Shelter, Shopping

• Call ahead to establish POC • Can you eliminate in pre-scout?

Pre-Scout

Evaluating Locations

Risk Factors • Health (e.g. disease, pollution) • Structural (e.g. electrical, construction) • Environmental (e.g. animals, traffic) • Criminal (e.g. known dangerous area)

Safety

• Is it a “Look Book” match?

• If not, is it close?

• Could it “get there”? At what cost?

• Is it something surprising? New?

Aesthetic

• Scout at same TOD as intended shoot • Note direction and quality of light • Note location of windows • Note level of ambient sound • Note traffic patterns (people & vehicles)

Time Of Day

• On-Site Power? • Outlet locations for all spaces • Normal & Available System Load • Location of Breaker Box • OK to use a generator?

Power

• Lodging Proximity (e.g. Hotels, AirBnB)

• Shelter from environment

• Rain or extreme weather

• Camera & other setup space

Shelter

• Hours of Access • Be sure to include setup & strike

• Equipment Storage • Onsite Security • Vehicle Parking

Access

• Craft Services Ready?

• Kitchen? Refrigerator? Tables?

• Proximity to restaurants or food truck?

• Proximity to grocery stores?

Food

• Access to Restrooms

• Available Seating

• Green Room or private changing space

• Space for private conversation

Comfort

• Proximity to other locations • Proximity to fuel • If extremely remote …

… does aesthetic merit added cost? … does location present safety risk?

Travel

• Confirm following of Point of Contact • Owner or Authorized Rep? • Reliable Contact Information • Primary, Secondary and Tertiary

• Committed to production’s success?

POC

• Get the following in writing: • Cost (if any), include non-$ payment • Location, brand and staff clearances • Dates & times of access • Access allowances & restrictions

Legal

• Consider the following:

• Primary Costs (e.g. rental)

• Secondary Costs (e.g. lodging, fuel)

• Soft Costs (e.g. time, travel, safety)

Budget

Reference Capture

• Script (if film)

• Look Book

• Storyboard

• Camera Setups

Pre-Vis

Ask lead creative for deliverable reqs • Image size, resolution & format • Aspect ratio (4:3, 16:9, anamorphic) • Alternate angles • Sun & TOD information

Photo

Done well, video can be a better reference

• Captures more info, more quickly

• Stills can be captured from video

• With 360/VR, can be immersive

Video

Negotiating Location Use

• Only ask if the location has potential • Payment Options • Free (never hurts to ask) • Promotional consideration • In-Kind (e.g. photo/video license) • Straight Dollars

COST

• Get the following in writing: • Cost (if any), include non-$ payment • Location, brand and staff clearances • Dates & times of access • Access allowances & restrictions

Legal

Location Reports

CONTENT

• Power

• Water

• Bathrooms

• Food

• Clearance

• Safety

• Shelter

• Travel

• Aesthetic

• Access

• Props

• Budget

What did the production require?

CONTENTFor each location, provide:

• Hero photo + alternative angles • Check list based on provide reqs • Description for each as needed

• Budget details • Contact information

B“The Only Thing Constant Is Change “

– Heraclitus

BACKUP

Weather changes. Location owners reconsider or flake at the last minute.

Include contingency locations for each primary location presented.

TOOLSEmerging, interactive tools

• Production Pro (app & service)

• pixelkit.io (stills)

• frame.io & wipster.io (video)

EXAMPLE

Final Thoughts• Be professional • Demonstrate your skill/eye • But, recognize that: • You are not the artist, DP or director • You were hired to provide information

Questions?

Doug Daulton

Creative Director & CSO

doug@signalworx.com @dougdaulton

signalworx.com @signalworx

702.767.8025