Location Scouting
Location Scouting – Complete Process for Feature Film
"Location isn’t just a place… it's a silent character in your film."
OBJECTIVE
To find real-world locations that perfectly match the script’s vision, budget, and logistical practicality.
STEP-BY-STEP LOCATION SCOUTING BREAKDOWN
1. Script Breakdown for Location Needs
- Scene-by-scene analysis: Identify key locations
(e.g. engineering college, garage, village hospital, courtroom, terrace, wedding ground) - Categories:
- Primary Sets (e.g., heroine ka house, college, garage)
- Traveling Locations (e.g., roads, forests, fields)
- One-Day/Short Use (e.g., police station, bus stand)
Sample:
Scene No. | Location Type | Details | Indoor/Outdoor |
---|---|---|---|
3 | College | Modern, semi-rural campus | Outdoor + Indoor |
7 | Garage | Messy, local feel | Indoor |
12 | Wedding Ground | Small-town charm, crowd | Outdoor |
2. Moodboard Creation for Reference
- Visual samples for each location (from Pinterest, old films, Google images).
- Shared with director, production designer, and DOP.
3. Scout Team Formation
- Appoint a Location Manager + 2-3 assistants
- Also includes:
- Assistant Director
- DOP (if visual tests needed)
- Line Producer (for budget alignment)
4. On-Ground Scouting
- Visit 2–3 potential options for each location.
- Consider:
- Aesthetic Fit with script
- Lighting & Camera Angles
- Logistics – Road access, nearby hotels, food, permissions
- Sound – Noise level, traffic, crowds
- Power Supply – For lights, generators
- Crew Space – Vanity vans, restrooms, parking
5. Recce Photography + Video Walkthrough
- Take high-quality photos and 360-degree video tours
- Include:
- Time-of-day light shots
- Sample camera positions
- Entry/exit points
6. Location Costing + Permission Check
- Speak with:
- Local panchayat / police / municipal authority
- Private landowners
- Studio floors (if needed)
- Estimate:
- Daily rental
- Security deposit
- Permission charges
- Crowd management staff
7. Final Location Approval
- Present 2-3 best options per location to Director + Producer + DOP
- Consider both creative and budget constraints
- Lock Final Location List
8. Location Contracts & Paperwork
- Agreements signed with:
- Landowners / Property Managers
- Local Government (if public place)
- Include clauses for:
- Damage
- Shoot timing
- Crew size
- Payment structure
Final Location Kit Includes:
- Google map coordinates
- Entry-exit photos
- Contact person on-ground
- Light timing reference
- Emergency contact nearby
- Hotel/food vendor nearby
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