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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