St Louis Location Scouting and Managing
If you’ve been around the Mid-West as long as we have, Scouting & Managing St. Louis and Missouri Locations is a natural in our business. We just might know what you are looking for. You just have to know where to go, who to talk to and when to get the right image! We provide Location Scouting for Film, Video, Photography and the Web.
We work with productions to locate and secure a range of photography, filming, and brand activation locations. We are able to accommodate any task that comes our way, as we maintain team members ready to act on anything. Every job has its own needs, and we strive to exceed expectations. From catalog shoots to car commercials, we understand that every job requires a unique approach. Because of our extensive location database, we are able to jump-start our location search every time.
Are police needed? Do I need to block a street? Will the locations have restrooms? Let our crew handle traffic, permits, parking, location fees, and even talent holding areas. A lot of these details can be over looked when production crunch time begins. Even we can negotiate location contracts and workout insurance details with property owners. We also can provide a number of studio location options.
Helping with every step of the process from location scouting and creative direction to permit requests and logistics. Rates are determined by project details please call or email us for more information regarding your project.
CNBC Video Promo for Build-A-Bear Workshop ®
Videotaping Location Scout and Manager, Mike Haller
We’ve worked with clients among every industry and profession, including manufacturing and finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and countless service types. Our location scouting partners include major St Louis and national corporations, not-for-profits, national chains, and small businesses.
Checklist of Essential Things to Look For When Doing Location Scouting
Have you ever tried to find the perfect location for a shoot? You know it has to look amazing from all angles, but where do you start?
This article helps you navigate through the process with a checklist of essential things to consider when doing location scouting. Make sure your next project runs smoothly!
Introduction
When it comes to production work, Location Scouting is one of the most important aspects of the process. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the location and take into account various factors such as available sources of light, space for equipment, sight lines and so on. Having a checklist for when touring a potential location can be immensely helpful in gathering vital information before making a commitment.
Whether you’re setting up a shoot on location or scouting for an indoor studio rental space, these are some essential points you should remember when doing your own location scouting:
1. Exposure – Consider variables that could affect the quality of your image such as exposure/brightness exposure or ambient noise/noise pollution.
2. Space – Ensure that there’s enough room for gear and personnel to move around freely without creating clutter in the background of your scene. Also take note if there’s enough storage space available onsite such as shelves and cupboards to keep all necessary equipment clean and organized.
3. Light source – Evaluate any natural or man-made (light sources) like window light, which can make all the difference between good shots and great ones. Also note shadows from trees, poles or other objects which may cause problems in lighting any scene correctly while filming outdoors.
4. Video leakage – Consider how sound (or video) may leak from one area to another by evaluting potential reflections off surfaces which could cause interference with audio tracks if not taken into consideration properly beforehand
5. Safety needs – Be sure that your chosen production area is safe for all members involved including casted actors or crew personnel as well as any additional extras who might need commuting onsite
6. Restrictions & regulations – Make sure that your chosen production space meets safety regulations required by local authorities governing certain areas in terms of legal requirements, etc., such as having proper Fire extinguishers onsite incase there are any unexpected incidents during your shoot day
Researching the Location
Researching a location is an integral part of the scouting process and should not be overlooked. It’s good to know in advance what kind of area you’ll be working in before arriving onsite. Take the time to research the neighborhood, including availability of resources such as parking, restrooms, electrical outlets, as well as any nearby restaurants or attractions that could provide some added context to your project.
You should also have a good idea if nearby public transport will be available for convenience or if you’ll need to factor in additional costs for crew members’ travel expenses. In addition, familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations specific to filming on-location in the area — even seemingly minor details such as noise permits, which can vary greatly by jurisdiction.
Finally, these days it’s essential to consider any social distancing and safety protocols that must be adhered to while on location, so spending some extra time researching these rules beforehand is an essential part of being prepared.
Safety Considerations
Safety is of utmost importance when location scouting, and it’s important to consider all potential risks and hazards when planning each shoot. Before visiting any potential locations, review the following safety considerations:
-Confirm with local authorities that any location permits are in place and any requirements are met for the shoot.
-Ensure the area is free from debris, sharp objects, and other trip hazards.
-Assess whether or not there is adequate lighting in the area.
-Mentally map out an evacuation plan if needed.
-Determine if wild animals or hazardous plants may be present in the area.
-Secure permits to use props, equipment or vehicles as needed with local authorities ahead of time to ensure all regulations are met during filming.
-Identify areas where tripods or large equipment can be safely used without obstructing traffic flow or roadways; research and follow traffic laws for large equipment usage when applicable.
-Get legal guidance concerning releases for talent/extras, property access rights & liability insurance requirements for high-risk locations prior to shooting in those locations, if applicable.
Accessibility
When doing location scouting, it is important to consider the accessibility of the environment. Ask yourself: Is this an easily accessible area where I am likely to find people? Factors such as public transport access, parking availability, and proximity to other locations or events should be taken into account when assessing overall accessibility to your chosen location.
It is also important to think about how the physical environment may affect your shooting — for example, will noise from traffic or other sources limit what you are able to film or record? Are lighting conditions appropriate for outdoor shots? By considering these questions ahead of time, you can reduce possible distractions or obstacles that may impede your work. Ultimately, this will increase the likelihood of successful location scouting and help ensure that you record all of the images that you need.
Cost
Cost is an essential factor to consider when doing location scouting. It is important to determine whether costs are included in the rental fee, such as utilities and other associated fees, or if there will be additional expenses. Be aware that some costs may include additional taxes that may affect your budget.
It is also important to take into account whether there are any specific requirements for local permits, insurance or parking fees, which can add up. In some cases, the total cost may be higher than the basic daily or weekly rate for equipment rentals, transportation charges and other supplements related to specific locations. Therefore, it is important to inquire about all additional cost details so you can calculate a final cost before making a commitment of any kind.
Logistics
Location scouting involves researching and evaluating potential film sites in order to determine their suitability for the specific requirements of a shoot. In order to make sure that you find a spot that is ideal, there are some logistical factors you should consider when conducting your search.
Logistics: Take into account the size and layout of the area, including potential access routes, parking availability, and the overall convenience of shooting on the site. Additionally, evaluate any restrictions or permits required for filming in that location. Consider whether there are any safety concerns related to filming in this area (e.g., nearby construction zones or restricted areas) and how you can minimize these risks.
Lighting: Evaluate the amount of natural light available onsite—both direct sunlight and indirect light—and how it changes with time of day or season. If necessary, create a plan for artificial lighting if existing natural sources don’t provide sufficient illumination.
Props/Set Dressing: Estimate the amount and type of props needed for each scene and what can be found at the location itself (e.g., furniture or artwork). Make sure there’s adequate storage space set aside for equipment so that it isn’t left out in plain sight when not in use.
Background Noise/Distractions: It’s important to consider what type of tones you need for each scene as well as any background noise pollution (including ambient noise from street traffic) that might interfere with them during filming. Assess what types of activities take place in close proximity to your set so that your audio crew can plan ahead if something needs to be brought in to mask any sound disturbances.
Technical Requirements
When you’re scouting for a filming location, you need to consider the technical requirements. It’s important to create a checklist of technical requirements before deciding which locations are best suited for your needs.
You should consider the size of your crew, equipment and storage needs when scouting a location. Will you need additional power sources? Will there be a need to limit sound levels or have access to sound proof rooms? Make sure to double check any existing equipment in the area.
Additionally, consider whether the space will accommodate lighting and special effects, such as fog machines or smoke machines. You should also note if specific accommodations will be required; this could range from props to specialty furniture.
Remember that safety should always be your top priority when assessing any potential filming sites. Check out potential hazards like uneven surfaces, separate electrical systems and the hazard of working with high voltage equipment in older buildings. Technical requirements are often overlooked during the scouting process, but it pays off in the end to double check these factors before settling on a location.
Finalizing the Location
Once the scouting team selects a location, there are still a few items to consider when finalizing it. Below is a list of essential questions to ask before signing any contracts or agreeing to use the site:
Accessibility: – How easily can crew, equipment and vehicles access different parts of the facility? Is there adequate parking? – Does the location have restrictions on entrance, exits and elevators? – Are all permits necessary for shooting at this location obtained or in progress? Are permits needed from local authorities?
Safety: – Is the environment safe with regards to traffic, pollutants, hazardous materials and so on? – Are there any security risks at the property or nearby that need attention? Are special permits needed for firearms handling in certain regions or areas of filming / photography (e.g., in schools)?
Comfort and Amenities: – Would you be able to bring portable heating/cooling devices if needed? Is air cooling/heating provided by property management expected prior to filming/photoshoot start time? Is set construction needed that cannot be done without a separate heater/air conditioning system onsite?
Logistics / Layout Preparation: – How spacious is the site in terms of interior / exterior locations and room size limitations (including elevators where applicable)? Is space sufficient for setup of all production equipment and gear required onsite (tents, cameras etc.) including adequate space for break rooms and rest areas if applicable?)
Lighting & Sound Monitoring: – What type of power outlets are available at the premises (large transformers potentially required)? Are they compliant with union standard requirements if applicable). -Will extra lighting need to be installed prior/during shoot time due to lack existing light sources, is there enough light from natural sources available throughout different periods during day or night when shooting takes place during different days. Can sound proofing using tarps be necessary for microphones going into private spaces such as bedrooms etc.?
Shari Haller
314.913.5626
mikeh@hallerconcepts.com
4501 Mattis Road St. Louis Missouri 63128
Angel Eye Video Productions, Inc. 