How do you find the perfect location for your video production?

In my experience, analyzing the script and location needs is basic. So you at least know what your looking for. But past that, I’m always struggling budget wise, so for me, I start with the low hanging fruit, the locations I can secure for little or no money, or for a favor. Get as far as you can, for as cheaply as you can…..it’s easy to spend budget money….not so easy to save it

It's not a one-rule-fits-all process. While the premise of this article is simplistic in nature, and hence cannot generalize how location recce can be achieved viz a viz your project. Whether you are doing a feature, a short fiction, a documentary, a music video, a human interest film, etc. all of those will demand their specific locations. First thing first, your script will tell you exactly what it needs. The context, the setting, of the project is your premise. Then you go and find the matching locations, After which you ask, how much money do we have. Then pick based on finances, needs, and a mutually agreeable compromise. If you have enough resources for the locations, then you will find the one that matches exactly your storyboard.

Also, understand the brand. You've to know what the brand you work with as the location will represent them. That's something you'll need to fully have in mind from the 1st place even before you submit your budget. Otherwise you might be in trouble later on.

If we are not local to a place, there are some ways to look for locations. 1. local Facebook groups in every city that can help with suggestions. 2. I find local Apps like Nextdoor are particularly helpful where we post questions, and members answer questions. 3. Peer space 4. Check socials of studios, they tag photographers, based on the kind of photographer/ videographer, if we go to their socials, we can check out locations in their videos too. Going to a location, doing research, the light, weather on the day of, any features, needs. Don’t forget to make notes and take pictures and videos as we totally forget many details.

For UK scouty and peerspace are the two places I'd go at. A recce is super important. Check about parking situations, location protection equipment such as floor protection etc. Speak with the location owner and ask them questions to understand what you should be aware of.

There is no hard and fast rule for location identification, like Yash Chopra the legendary director he mesmerised people with his location criteria and preferences his rule was people can watch those places with the help of camera where they wanted to go in their dreams so the point is look through the eyes from your viewers point of view.

Always check about hours and be careful of Overtimes. Good locations are rare gems so you want to be build good relationships with location owners. It's most likely that you'll come back.

The best way to go about finding a location is to employ a location finder or manager. Or ask a location library or your local film office for suggestions. It is the more expensive option, as opposed to finding yourself. Though you are ensuring that your time at the location is maximised for shooting and that there will be no surprises. Also I would always try to choose a location that was used to having film crew operate there. An owner of a location can often be unprepared for the demands of a film crew and that could impact on your shooting day.