scouting and securing locations
TRANSCRIPT
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
[email protected] @dougdaulton
signalworx.com @signalworx
702.767.8025