Still image from my storyboard
Today I want to highlight the importance of location scouting, despite how small your production may be. I'm working on a new short film, and I'm deep into pre-production. I've found 90 percent of the cast, and I'm certain I'll be doing a one man run, and gun because of the simplicity of the project. That said I'm using some of New York City's more iconic locations, (no permit) and although I've been to these places a million times I still decided to go location scouting, and this is the exact reason why that decision was the right one.
These are recent photo's of Battery Park. It looks like it was hit by a bomb, and that bomb's name is probably hurricane Sandy, but because I hadn't been to the park since the storm I expected it to be in it's pristine business as usual form. In your creative endeavors no matter what you're doing the last thing you really want to do is leave anything up to chance, so go location scouting. Make sure what you see in your minds eye can be translated with the setting available to you hell, while you're out you may find a new location suitable for your current project or a future project down the line.
If you've never gone location scouting before here's my technique.
- I storyboard every project, and instead of using hand drawn stick figures (how I learned to storyboard), I go out take a still frame of the scene, It's a great way to get your composition just right, and it forces you to physically go see your location.
- After I head to the locations I know, I tend to wander around the neighborhood aimlessly. Snapping photos on the fly of spots that would make a suitable substitute for my shots.
- Use Google maps. Enter keywords, and see what's nearby while you're pounding the pavement.
- In NYC there are many studios for rent. Some offer living room and kitchen setups, and some are bare.
- There is also businesses that are committed to providing you with film locations. The first location that comes to mind here in NYC is ProductionParadise. The problem with this route is that it's gonna cost you, so be prepared to have a location budget (a few thousand dollars is a good start).
- Ask people you know if you can shoot at there Homes/Business for free (aim for times when it will inconvenience them the least).
- Rent a room for the day, motels, hotels, apartments on craigslist. Sometimes all you need is a room, and some imagination.
The setting is a major part of storytelling, and the right location can make or break your project. The very least you can do is go see what you have to work with, you never know when you'll find that perfect shot.
Cheers and Hot Set Teddy Bears