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Posted by
Shannon Litt August 15, 2011 -
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Finding places to shoot can be extremely tedious. As an amateur independent filmmaker, unfortunately instead of hiring a location manager, the task ultimately falls to me. That being said, if your budget allows, hiring a good location scout is definitely a good investment. They have resources and contacts that fall beyond the standard director or producer’s realm of expertise.
The first thing I do when considering locations is to re-read the scene in which the setting is needed. How does the setting contribute to the action or dialogue? What kind of tone am I trying to convey? What style and size would be best? You’re not going to get ideal locations by being picky about posters on the walls and desk design. Keep the overall mood and picture in mind. Stay objective.
The second thing I do is consider my resources. Do I already know of locations around my city, school and work that would fit? Do I feel the emotions I need for the scene in that location? I find that many of my locations can be found simply by asking family members or best friends. You don’t need a huge network of people to run around scrambling for the perfect location… just think about how many places each of those close to you frequents on a regular basis. That is plenty of opportunity there alone.
For my first film, “Connection,” I filmed most of it at my sister and mom’s very historic looking house, and outside in and around parks. “Run” was filmed at my work, a nunnery owned by the same nuns that ran my high school, a public park, and a room in my sister’s university. “Sarajevo Sniper” was also filmed in my sister’s university, as was the majority of “Fall of Fables.”
There does come a point in a filmmaker’s career when he or she uses all of his or her available locations. Don’t be afraid to branch out and ask other people for suggestions. Approach the city to use heritage homes. Go wander the city and explore. You’re going to find yourself on your way home from school taking alternate routes just to get inspired, which is something I always do
One thing about permission… most independent filmmakers can’t afford the staggering rates some locations will charge. I haven’t ever asked a location their rates, found them too high, and risked filming there anyway. These kinds of locations usually have security guards anyhow, and they *will* ask you for your form of permission. It isn’t fair to your cast and crew to put them in direct violation of the law under your supervision, in any case. Always try to get permission. It’s the safest and most legitimate route possible. If you’re a student, it makes it a whole lot easier to film. I tend to emphasize the exact number of people who will be there, avoid phrases like “on set” (which denotes a takeover of their location), and stress how if they have any rules or restrictions that we will abide by them. Most locations like hearing how they will see the final product, and that you’re a kind and open person. People generally like feeling helpful, so take advantage of that
Location scouting is a rough job. Try to find locations for their feel and mood rather than the specific picture in your head. To reiterate, it’s always best to hire a location scout whenever possible if you can afford it. However, if you’re like me, and just starting out, use whatever resources you have, and remember — people like to help and the idea of being featured in a film, no matter how small, is exciting.
