How to Become a Location Scout
I know a lot about real estate in my community. I think it has wonderful places that could be used in the movies or in commercials. Could I become a location scout?
Location scouts are usually part of a team working with the producers and designers of films, television commercials, videos and print advertising. Their job is to locate the settings that work best with the concepts of the designers and clients.
photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucas3d/2805475704/
Things to consider if you'd like to begin a career as a scout
Scouts should have a mix of local knowledge and maintain a repertoire of places. Skills in research and photography along with a talent for organization and logistics are essential. Can you offer a specialty in types of location, e.g., government buildings, agricultural properties, sports facilities, etc.?
Are you good at logistics? Can you juggle the variables it takes to get a crew to a location? Do you know the clearance of any tunnels the trucks will have to travel through? Is enough parking available? A shoot carries a lot of equipment and the trucks take a lot of space. Is there enough electrical power available locally for the shoot - or - must generators be brought in?
Are you good with maps, photography, tracking weather conditions, etc? How are your negotiating skills? People management skills?
According to the Location Managers Guild of America working as a location scout or manager you may be responsible for "...the day-to-day management of locations, including (but certainly not limited to):
- Meet with those neighbors and merchants directly affected by prep, shoot, or wrap activities
- Negotiate the location fees, and contracts
- Coordinate legal issues with company attorneys
- Request filming permits, listing filming activities in detail
- Call in notification of special effects and extended hours. Notify neighbors and gather signatures as required
- Schedule police, fire safety officers and security personnel
- Coordinate with company safety department and supervise environmental clearance and studies in an expedited manner
- Design and implement traffic plans and street closures
- Work closely with Transportation Dept. to ensure that parking arrangements meet both production and neighborhood needs
- Prepare directional signage and maps
- Act as liaison between the public and the shooting crew ..." The LMGA is not a union. It has five (5) classifications of membership.... "This Guild is a professional organization working to serve the production industries. It encourages the benefits of location filming among the entertainment industries and the communities. And strives to strengthen members' ability to develop meaningful and credible careers."
For more information see... Location Managers Guild of America
Of course Los Angeles and the New York area have a head start on needing and using location services but most states and some localities are vying aggressively for the revenue from theatrical and commercial productions. All manner of facilities to assist the filmmaking industries are being created and promoted by government agencies. They are all offering tax incentives. By following what your state or locality is doing to woo the entertainment industries and the services that supply it you can see if there's a need for location scouts where you are.
photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucas3d/2805475704/
It's not just for the Coasts anymore.
- Star-struck states sweeten film incentives
- By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer (Feb 21, 2008)
- Shreveport, LA is one such place. From the New York Times May 20,2008...
- Son of a Gun, Hollywood Has Big Fun on the Bayou...
- Wyoming may need location scouts... as it's seeking more work from the film industry
photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuartyeates/45919678/
Florida has long been interested in attracting a share of entertainment dollars.
And in Iowa...See the May 2008 video on the success of Iowa's film industry incentive program from the Iowa Journal...
The New York Production Guide provides a list of members who are location scouts and managers. It can be found here. Becoming familiar with industry organizations could prove useful too.
In New York for example, the Mayor's office film, theater, and broadcasting is the place to go for information on location specifics. http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/index/index.shtml.
If working as a location scout is not really what you're suited for, you might want to list your home to be used as a location. In the New York area contact the organizations included in the Web site below. http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/locations/homestar00.shtml
From the Web site: How to register as a location.
Step 1
Publicize yourself. First, you need to make yourself known to location scouts and location services. Location scouts are professionals hired by a film, television, commercial or music video project to find interior and exterior locations that are consistent with the specifications of the script. Finding your way into their files will increase the likelihood that your property will be chosen for a new project.
Location services are brokers with whom you may list your property for use by any film or video project. A percentage of the rental fee is usually collected by the location service, if your property is chosen through one of these services. These services are mainly used by producers and location scouts
Step 2
Once your property has been chosen for a shoot, gather information. Use the following as a checklist to identify the production company that is interested in using your property.
Identify the type of production: Feature, TV Movie, Commercial, Music Video, Episodic Television. Name of the production company and project title. Address and phone number for the production company. Parent company/studio information, if applicable. Proof of insurance. Ensure that the production company lists you and your property as additionally insured on the certificate, and obtain a copy of the policy. A standard location filming insurance policy covers liability up to $1 million. Does the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting have a record of this company? To verify, contact us at (212) 489-6710
Step 3
Logistics of the Shoot. Below are some considerations that you should keep in mind during the decision making process.
Number of individuals in cast and crew. Ask how many production vehicles will be used for your particular location and parked outside of your property. You should be aware that the trucks can vary in size from 15 to 65 feet. The average truck is 35 feet.
Number of shoot, prep and wrap days. Number of day versus night shoots. Shoot hours for each day. Identify any special effects; e.g. prop guns, weapons. If so, ensure that production notifies NYPD Movie/TV Unit. For fire effects, production should notify FDNY. Should you have any questions, please contact the NYC Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting us at (212) 489-6710. Identify building fire regulations and safety procedures.
Request a "walk through" with crew members at your location. A "walk through" is the process whereby the creative team reviews filming activity and its impact on your location.
Inquire how the shooting activity will impact other tenants/neighbors/residents.
Good luck.
