How to Film on Location
As any new filmmaker knows, finding the perfect location for your scenes is half of the battle. It's never as simple as choosing the best background or most suitable setting, you also have to consider everything from the lighting to the accessibility for the rest of your crew. Banish those independent filming woes by reading this quick guide to filming on location and move on to your next project confident you've got the process down pat.
Scouting for suitable locations will always be the first part of the this process, and it's a good idea to set aside plenty of time for this - as well as draw in help from friends and family, by asking them for suggestions. You will also need to think about how busy or quiet these locations are at certain times of the day, and make a comprehensive list of times and places that are most suitable.
Once you've chosen your ideal locations, you will also need to do some research into whether you are able to film in them or not. In some places, especially those of cultural significance or which are privately owned, be sure to get in touch with the local council and with the owner and politely ask for permission to film there. Be sure to already have an idea of how long you will need to use the location and the dates you would like to be there.
Insurance is another must-have for any semi-professional or professional film crew, especially if you have expensive equipment. You also will need to seriously consider health and safety considerations, especially if you are filming in unusual locations. You may want to consider speaking to your actors, even asking them to sign a document agreeing that you are not liable should they hurt themselves during the filming.
Before setting out for a shoot, you will need to ensure you have all of the equipment you need, and this means it's necessary for someone to sit down and make an extensive list of props, equipment and actors needed for every single separate locational shoot. There's nothing worse than realising you have invested a large amount of time and money and setting up a scene only to find you are missing a crucial piece of scenery or costume change.
Another problem when filming is the fact you sometimes need a power supply somewhere where there's not one already. For example, you could be shooting outdoor scenes that need a lighting rig, or you may need to convert a deserted warehouse into a convincing office. If this is the case, you are likely to have to find another solution, such as a generator rental. Be sure to search for a one specifically designed to run quietly, so you can provide power without disrupting your filming.
Scouting for suitable locations will always be the first part of the this process, and it's a good idea to set aside plenty of time for this - as well as draw in help from friends and family, by asking them for suggestions. You will also need to think about how busy or quiet these locations are at certain times of the day, and make a comprehensive list of times and places that are most suitable.
Once you've chosen your ideal locations, you will also need to do some research into whether you are able to film in them or not. In some places, especially those of cultural significance or which are privately owned, be sure to get in touch with the local council and with the owner and politely ask for permission to film there. Be sure to already have an idea of how long you will need to use the location and the dates you would like to be there.
Insurance is another must-have for any semi-professional or professional film crew, especially if you have expensive equipment. You also will need to seriously consider health and safety considerations, especially if you are filming in unusual locations. You may want to consider speaking to your actors, even asking them to sign a document agreeing that you are not liable should they hurt themselves during the filming.
Before setting out for a shoot, you will need to ensure you have all of the equipment you need, and this means it's necessary for someone to sit down and make an extensive list of props, equipment and actors needed for every single separate locational shoot. There's nothing worse than realising you have invested a large amount of time and money and setting up a scene only to find you are missing a crucial piece of scenery or costume change.
Another problem when filming is the fact you sometimes need a power supply somewhere where there's not one already. For example, you could be shooting outdoor scenes that need a lighting rig, or you may need to convert a deserted warehouse into a convincing office. If this is the case, you are likely to have to find another solution, such as a generator rental. Be sure to search for a one specifically designed to run quietly, so you can provide power without disrupting your filming.