You’ve got a script. You’ve got funding. Now you’re ready to start selecting locations. If this is your first time taking this step, here are some helpful tips to get you started.

Assess your Needs

If you have your production team in place including a location manager, cinematographer and production designer, these individuals should be (and will want to be) included in this step. However, if you are starting this process prior to securing a team (or if you have limited funds and are consolidating some production roles), it’s valuable to create a separate scene-by-scene location breakdown. If you have limited budget and time, this process will allow you to determine if you can utilize some locations for multiple purposes.

For example: If your script has scenes that take place in a house, office and cafe, look for a building that has rooms that can double for all these locations. Just be certain the rooms each have something that makes them all distinct: it could be paint or wallpaper, different shaped windows or trim, unique ceilings and floors. With the proper lighting and creative set dressing, the four walls will tell the story the scene requires.

Additionally, you may have a scene that requires a public park, as well as a scene where characters are sitting stationary in an outdoor location, such as the backyard of a house. If it is not necessary to see the house in the backyard scene, you may be able to find an area of the park that will double as a back yard.

Search for Locations within your Budget

Once you know exactly what locations are required for your script, you can align your budget to your needs. This will require you to embrace the confines of your budget and set realistic expectations when determining where you can shoot your production.

Depending on your budget and financing, you may be able to apply for production incentives. Different cities, states, provinces, territories and national bodies offer production incentives and funding schemes to support inward productions. Every region will have different requirements that include specific production budgets, local hires (for cast and crew) local spend (on hotel stays, production-related material and more) and cultural requirements (the representation of the region within the content of the script.) They may also have requirements such as a designated number of shooting days, the time of year the production takes place, specific submission periods and other detailed instructions. It’s important to investigate production incentives first before determining if they will be a guiding factor to where you will shoot your production.

If you do not qualify for production incentives, traveling to a distant location may not be feasible. In this situation, you’ll want to find locations that are within a close proximity to each other. Connect with the local film commission (if there is not one in the specific city or county, you may want to look to a state/provincial or national office) for assistance in recommending locations that you may access. Ensuring locations are in a close proximity to each other will limit travel time; ultimately saving the production money on gas, transportation needs, and time (and as they say, time is money!)

You will also want to consider any fees required to shoot on or in the locations required for your scene. Be sure to investigate if permits are needed (this is another area where a film commission can assist you.) Different buildings, venues and businesses may charge a rental or usage fee, and may require insurance before allowing a production to shoot on sight. Be aware of these charges to ensure you do not exceed your budget before the camera starts to roll!

Consider Outside Factors

If your script requires specific weather or environmental conditions, you may not have a choice on what time of year your production takes place. However, it is wise to contemplate factors that will be outside of your control when you begin assessing locations. Cold climates will deplete batteries faster than warmer days. Limited sunlight, or too much sunlight, may force the production to use lighting and gaffing equipment that wasn’t budgeted for. Consider the ways the environment will not only affect the aesthetics of your shoot, but also the budget.

Additionally, regional events can have an unexpected impact on your production. Knowing if there are regional holidays during your shoot as well as major events including street closures, enhanced noise (think of music festivals or fireworks) or other activities will help you plan your schedule accordingly. Look through the city calendar and contact the Chamber of Commerce to learn about local special events. Understanding any special activities that may affect your shooting schedule is another topic you might discuss with a film commissioner.

Create Opportunities

In some cases you may have a resource that will provide a complimentary location - perhaps a family member has the perfect house or owns a business (or has a strong connection with the owner of the business they work at) that will allow you to use their location at no charge. If you do not have such a resource, there are still opportunities that may assist you in obtaining deep discounts. For example, if you need a bar scene, look to a local brewery and offer product placement and credit in the film for use of their facility. Encourage a business to offer use of their facility by offering select casting opportunities and scene credits.

One important note about creating opportunities that require any type of exchange: draft an agreement that outlines what is being offered and delivered and ensure it is signed by both parties. You don’t know where your production will land in the future - and this agreement will become an important document in your project’s file.

Securing locations is an exciting component of a production. However, there is a lot of careful thought and planning that must be put in place prior to initiating this process. Recognize the limitations of your budget in advance. Note that you will need insurance, permits and legal documents in place throughout the process. Work your network and connections for complimentary access. Avoid excess travel between locations to avoid wasting time and money. Speak with experts like film commissioners who can help you figure out where and when to shoot.

And, don’t forget to take as many producer classes on Stage32 to ensure you know about the process of production to avoid headaches and heartaches that are an unnecessary factor of over-enthusiasm!

Want to explore them? Click here!

Whether you’re searching for the right location, connecting with a film commission, or building the skills to manage locations professionally, these resources can help you move your production forward.

Learn How Film Commissions Support Productions

Discover what film commissions do, how they help productions select and secure locations, and how to build an effective working relationship with them in AFCI’s free Stage 32 webinar.

WATCH THE FREE AFCI WEBINAR

Connect with a Film Commission

AFCI represents film commissions across six continents. Explore AFCI’s resources and global directory to find film commissions that can assist with locations, permits, incentives, local crew, regional logistics, and other production needs.

VISIT THE AFCI WEBSITE

Become a Certified Location Manager

Stage 32’s Location Management Master Certification teaches the essential skills needed to work professionally in the locations department, including scouting, budgeting, scheduling, contracts, risk management, negotiations, permitting, and on-set logistics.

EXPLORE THE LOCATION MANAGEMENT MASTER CERTIFICATION

ABOUT AFCI

Founded in 1975, the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) is the global professional organization representing city, county, state, regional, provincial, and national film commission members on six continents. AFCI provides advocacy, connectivity, and education to foster screen-sector economic growth in an inclusive and sustainable manner. As part of its professional development mission, AFCI administers the Certified Film Commissioner (CFC) designation. The organization’s signature events, including Studio Summit and Cineposium, draw industry professionals from around the world. AFCI is headquartered in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.afci.org.

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