Preparing for on-location shoots
Production studios have a lot of convenient, on-hand amenities – many of which are taken for granted. That is, until you find yourself on location standing in the middle of a field harboring a deep and newfound respect for indoor plumbing.
In truth, filming on location comes with a laundry list of challenges. From loud background noise and bad weather wreaking havoc with the schedule to unassuming strangers wandering on set, there’s a lot of unpredictability to embrace.
But reality can be really hard to fake in-studio and, for a lot of viewers, real-world settings are a major pathway to buying into a story. Shooting on location does a lot of that heavy lifting for you.
Unfortunately, you may be doing a lot of heavy lifting if your shoot is in a rural or poorly-equipped location. Determining what comes along for the ride is a big stressor – especially if you’re on a tight budget. Plus, it always seems that no matter how carefully you curate the equipment list, there are always a few items left behind which don’t seem important until they’re absolutely nowhere to be found.
While you can’t prevent every hiccup during on-location shoots, you can mitigate fall-out by planning ahead. And since we here at Kraken Cove live and breathe logistics, we’ve gotten pretty good at planning.
Keep reading to see which items always make the cut for us, as well as a detailed checklist of scouting questions to ask before the cameras start rolling.
Location Scout Questions
In addition to the usual things worth considering when scouting – like permit applications, location fees, parking options – asking these questions can help alleviate a lot of potential problems down the road.
If filming in a private home or corporate office, are there any “house rules” or boundaries to be aware of? For example, will you have access to all rooms and entry points? Is there a headcount cap?
Are there ample staging areas available to use during filming? You’ll need space for G&E, HMU, Wardrobe, Camera, Video Village, Art, and Meals/Crafty, among others. And don’t forget a dedicated quiet Studio Teacher space if you’re working with child actors.
If multi-day, can the location accommodate leaving gear overnight? If so, what’s the security situation?
It’s unlikely the space will perfectly match your vision. Are you allowed to rearrange or remove furniture? Are there restrictions on what you can bring in?
Hot Tip: TAKE RESET PICTURES. After a long day of filming, you will never remember exactly how everything was set up before you started. This is also good to document any existing damage.Is there any art or branded media on the walls? Remember, these things cannot be shown without permission from the artist or parent company. If you’re planning to remove them, check with the home or property owners first, as they may wish to do this themselves.
Where are the breakers located? How about the main water shut-off?
Are there bathroom facilities on-site? If not, are there any nearby that cast and crew can freely use? Do you need to rent a honeywagon?
Is there cell reception? WiFi? Will you need to bring a hotspot?
Will it be difficult to load/unload equipment? Do special accommodations need to be made?
If the location is a locked building, how do you plan to get in? Do you need to arrive by a certain time to get access?
Who should you contact if questions or issues crop up during filming?
Hot Tip: REVIEW THE LOCATION RENTAL CONTRACT. Make sure you understand the specific terms for use, damage, incidentals, accidents, etc… before you start shooting.Will on-site dumpsters or garbage receptacles be available? Or do you need to take all waste with you at the end of the day?
Does the location require professional floor or home protection services? Some owners are okay with using tennis balls or chair sliders on equipment, but others prefer additional precautions.
Where will the cast and crew eat? Do you need to rent a tent or tables and chairs to accommodate? What about coolers or portable refrigeration?
The “Don’t Forget” List
Everyone has their own list of must-have items, and it can change depending on the shoot. However, these are the things we always find ourselves grateful for bringing on location.
Garbage cans / bags
Cooler
Bathroom Kit: paper towels / toilet paper / hand soap
First Aid Kit
Sharpies
Charging brick
Various adaptor dongles / cables (and power strip!)
Portable printer (ink / paper)
Portable Bluetooth speaker
Mini insert slate
Walkies (usually need when on location)
Shooting on location can be stressful, and it's really frustrating when things go wrong. But consider each bump a lesson learned – and jot it down so you don’t make the same mistake next time!