Research and assess locations for production filming
Overview
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.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
identify the number, types and sequence of locations required for productions
confirm the accuracy of your evaluation of location needs with appropriate people
identify and use appropriate sources of information to assist your research
arrange a feasibility study of any unknowl locations to check their suitability against requirements
liaise with relevant authorities to identify the availability of potential locations
take clear and descriptive photographs or video of potential locations when required and store them for future use
make detailed notes to enable you to make reasoned assessments of each location
ascertain the need for permissions and licences associated with each location
identify the costs associated with using each location
record any problems or difficulties identified with the use of each location in line with production procedures
note any climatic, physical, environmental, access and health and safety factors likely to affect the use of locations
consider any legal, health and safety, or ethical implications of using a location against requirements
recommend locations that balance production needs against financial and logistical constraints
recommend contingency arrangements to cover extremes of weather or non-availability of certain locations
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
the budget parameters you are working within
how to interpret the script taking into consideration the need for using different locations
sources of information about locations and how to access them
how to ascertain the ownership of locations
how to establish contact with the relevant people within local authorities
the types of organisations and individuals from whom permissions are required for the use of locations
different types of licences that may be needed when using certain locations
the location budget for the production
the likely requirements of each department for access, egress and power source
types of environmental factors that may affect the use of a location
legal or ethical factors that may affect the use of a location
the health and safety aspects of a location
how to present your recommendations