Are you exhilarated by the experience of traversing new territories? Have you always wanted to travel around the world? If you answered yes to these questions, location scouting could be the ideal career choice for you. However, there are a couple of misconceptions about scouting that you may not be aware of—here’s a hint: it’s not just traveling to never-before-seen regions. There’s no doubt that the hard work of scouting pays off, but it’s essential to know exactly what location coordination is all about before diving into it.
In this blog, we share everything you need to know about location scouting. We also give you a few simple steps to follow if you’d like to become a location scout yourself! Whether you want to become a location specialist in film or simply want to know more about it, this article is a complete guide to the world of scouting.
What is a Location Scout?
A location scout’s role is to find and secure locations that match the various scenes of a creative production. In other words, a location scout is responsible for bringing a film’s vision to life. They’re often most present during the pre-production phase of filmmaking, and scouts spend extensive time taking photos of potential locations, coordinating with directors and producers, and negotiating legal access to filming regions.
If location scouts have been in the business for an extended amount of time, it’s common for them to have a database of potential locations or buildings that can be presented to the film crew. Depending on the film’s budget, there could be an entire team of location scouts or an individual region manager for the creative production. While location scouting sounds like it’s only traveling and seeing breathtaking areas, it’s more than just that. Let’s take a look at the main roles that location scouts are responsible for on set.
What Does a Location Scout Do?
Location scouting starts as soon as the pre-production process launches and lasts until the entirety of production wraps up. You may think that location scouting only consists of traveling and searching for idyllic film backdrops, but it’s much more than that. Here are the various tasks a location scout is responsible for during a film production:
Breakdown the Script
The first thing location scouting requires is the study and deep analysis of the film’s screenplay. Why is this important? Without the proper understanding of the premise of a film, location scouts could completely misunderstand what the production needs to come to life. Can you imagine the Harry Potter films taking place in the desert-like landscape of Morocco? Yeah, that doesn’t sound quite right. The location scout and film crew knew what they were doing when they chose the rainy backdrop and gothic-like castles of the United Kingdom for Harry Potter’s scenes.
When analyzing the script, location scouts could have to consider numerous places for differing scenes of a movie or TV show. If the screenplay is indoors, the location manager needs to consider the size of the space, if there’s parking or restrooms for the crew, and how the property adds or takes away from the storyline.
Collaborate With the Film Crew And Search for Potential Backdrops
After studying the screenplay, the director will inform the location coordinator of the different expectations they have regarding the various shooting locations. Directors can also tell the location scout how a certain scene will be filmed which can impact the location of the shot. For example, a shot taken from an aerial perspective will require a completely different setting compared to a simple dialogue scene. During this step, it’s also vital to work with the producer to ensure each location fits within the producer’s set budget for the film.
Once the director and producer have properly communicated with the location scout, it’s time to search for potential filming locations. This can be an extensive process that includes compiling a list of optional areas, researching if those places are available for filming, and consistently partnering with the entire production crew. Throughout this time, location scouts don’t only consider what will accurately portray the script but also which spaces will elevate the story and captivate the audience’s attention.
Scout Locations
This is when the magic happens! Once the location specialist has gathered a list of potential shooting locations, it’s time to visit those spaces to ensure they’re fitting for the film. Before visiting a region or property, the scout will need to gain permission to survey the area. Location coordinators will typically bring along the production’s cinematographer, producer, production designer, and director for the scouting process. When visiting each place, the team will take notes, ensure the area meets certain requirements for the film, and take photos to look back on afterward. The photographs taken on scene can also be added to the scout’s collection of locations for future reference.
Gain Permission to Shoot in a Specific Region
One part of scouting that can’t be missed is the responsibility to secure legal permission to film at each set location. Once the director, cinematographer, and producer have signed off on the locations, the scout needs to fill out the necessary paperwork to gain shooting access. This also requires the location manager to obtain a solid understanding of governmental laws and permits within the chosen filming regions. If the location is private property, then scouts will need to gain a region agreement signed by both the property owner and scout.
Other considerations that scouts need to think about are ease of accessibility to locations, proximity between each location, and the cultural connotations of shooting in specific areas.
Ensure the Location is Left Appropriately
After production is wrapped at each location, the scout is responsible for making sure each space is left in an appropriate manner. Location coordinators can reference back to the photos taken during the scouting process to ensure that each area is left how they found it.
How to Become a Location Scout in 3 Steps
After reading about what goes into location scouting, do you feel interested in scouting as a job? If you’d like to try out this career, here are 3 steps on how to become a location scout:
1. Gain Experience and Acquire Skills
While it’s not required to go to film school, scouts need to have a thorough grasp of the filmmaking process. Location scouts also must have an eye for detail, visual storytelling, and logistics. What’s even more important for scouts is gaining knowledge of both government laws and cultural awareness for worldwide film locations. These skills can be learned in the classroom or on your own. Scouts can also dramatically improve their knowledge by working directly in the film industry and building vital connections. As you grow in creativity and challenge yourself in new areas, it’s vital to assemble a strong portfolio during the process.
2. Build a Strong Portfolio
While many jobs require studious work inside a classroom, location scouting is the complete opposite. If you’d like to become a scout, you need to consistently explore the world around you. Take photos wherever you go and travel often so that you can build a portfolio of unique, cinematic regions. The portfolio you create is the bridge between where you’re at and where you’d like to be. Your portfolio will be shown to filmmakers, producers, directors, and more within the industry. Take the time to tour one-of-a-kind buildings and grow your ability to see the endless filming possibilities that a single location holds. Once you’ve got your portfolio together, it’s time to apply for entry-level positions.
3. Get Your Foot in the Door
If you’ve got a portfolio and the skills necessary to succeed as a location scout, you need to start looking for entry-level opportunities. Countless professional scouts start as crew members such as production or writing assistants, lighting consultants, and sound technicians. Start applying for entry positions that fit where you want to go in the future and spend time learning the ins and outs of film as well as continually improving your creative skills. Put yourself out there and you’ll be on your way to becoming the next praised location scout in film!
Create a Stunning Film With Award-Winning Filmmakers
Perhaps you’ve found the location for your next film, but don’t have the crew to make it come together. Avalanche Studios is here to do just that! Whether you need help writing your script or can’t find someone to get the perfect shot for your cinematic masterpiece, our team is ready to bring your idea to the big screens. With Avalanche Studios’ award-winning producers, directors, writers, and artists, you’ll be set up for success from day one.
For 25 years, our film studio based in northern Utah has traveled around the globe to capture and execute countless breathtaking productions. We’re ready to make your dream a reality. Request a quote from Avalanche Studios and experience our 5-star video production services! Our crew can’t wait to see what we’ll create in partnership with you.
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