Research and assess locations for production filming

This Standard involves identifying the location requirements for different productions, as well as scouting and recommending appropriate locations.

 It is about having a good knowledge of potential sites, as well as the ability to undertake research using relevant sources of information. It involves understanding the needs of the production, and assessing possible locations for their suitability and cost, taking various factors into account including the requirements of the Production Design, Props Department, Physical Special Effects and Hair, Make-up, Costume and Wardrobe teams.

This Standard is for Location Managers.

1. identify the number, types and sequence of locations required for productions

2. confirm the accuracy of your evaluation of location needs with appropriate people

3. identify and use appropriate sources of information to assist your research 

4. arrange a feasibility study of any unknowl locations to check their suitability against requirements

5. liaise with relevant authorities to identify the availability of potential locations 

6. take clear and descriptive photographs or video of potential locations when required and store them for future use 

7. make detailed notes to enable you to make reasoned assessments of each location 

8. ascertain the need for permissions and licences associated with each location

9. identify the costs associated with using each location

10. record any problems or difficulties identified  with the use of each location in line with production procedures

11. note any climatic, physical, environmental, access and health and safety factors likely to affect the use of  locations 

12. consider any legal, health and safety, or ethical implications of using a location against requirements

13. recommend locations that balance production needs against financial and logistical constraints 

14. recommend contingency arrangements to cover extremes of weather or non-availability of certain locations 

1. the budget parameters you are working within 

2. how to interpret the script taking into consideration the need for using different locations

3. sources of information about locations and how to access them 

4. how to ascertain the ownership of locations 

5. how to establish contact with the relevant people within local authorities

6. the types of organisations and individuals from whom permissions are required for the use of locations 

7. different types of licences that may be needed when using certain locations

8. the location budget for the production

9. the likely requirements of each department for access, egress and power source

10.  types of environmental factors that may affect the use of a location 

11. legal or ethical factors that may affect  the use of a location 

12. the health and safety aspects of a location 

13. how to present your recommendations