How To Become a Location Scout

How To Become a Location Scout

What Is a Location Scout?
A location scout is essentially the director’s eyes and ears, and helps to develop the narrative by seeking out the perfect location. This is accomplished through finding a place that seamlessly follows the story at hand. The locations may vary from local suburban areas, to tropical islands in a foreign country.

The crucial thing to always keep in mind is the director’s intentions for the film, and the producer’s budget. If you sway too far out of the guidelines set by the producer then you risk bankrupting the film, or being told you aren’t fit to scout for that particular company. As a scout it is your responsibility to ensure that you are making the suitable decisions needed to help in the development process for the film, and to avoid pushing for a location that you have taken a particular liking to, despite it not having much relevance to the plot.

Key Skills You Need
In order to fit this job role, you need to be passionate about finding new places. A curious, and open mind would be handy as there are several different ways to scout a location, including but not limited to; simply driving around in a car all day racking up mileage all to find a perfect view, or flying all over the globe to broaden your horizons.

Another helpful skill that would help differentiate you from other scouters is if you’re a local citizen that knows a specific area like the back of your hand. Utilise your familiarity with a specific place and make yourself indispensable to the process. More often than not, production companies are filming in a location that is foreign to them, so your help could go a long way.

And finally, you could just be very apt at exploring online and can navigate your way around Google Maps or other digital sources to find the perfect scene.

You’ve Found Your Location. What’s Next?
When you set out to tell the director about a location, you should carry out substantial research on the area beforehand. Document everything! What is the local community like? Will local authorities and governments allow you access? If yes, then what sort of consent would you need? Also, how is the climate? You don’t want to waste hours of shooting in a place that has sporadic weather patterns.

Consistency is key, and you should be aware of timing as production companies have set dates in place to complete a project.

Things You Need To Be Aware Of
If you’re constantly searching for new and hidden places, it’s best to always carry a map or phone with a reliable GPS signal so you don’t get too lost whilst you’re venturing outdoors.

Also, be very cautious if you’re in a new environment, especially if a country you are in is known for corruption. Your safety is paramount, and you need to safeguard it. Try to avoid going out alone and bring some company.