Site Surveys or Location Scouting
Location scouting or site surveying can best be described as a trip to check out the shooting location in advance to spot potential problems and ensure that you have all the equipment needed for the production day. Typically the site survey is done during the same day or time that the video will be shot to understand what to expect during that time frame. There are a host of problematic issues that can ruin any shoot, but can easily be avoided with a thorough site survey.
It’s important to determine if there enough natural light, or will the crew need to bring more, and if so, how much more and what temperature? Another potential issue is background noises that might be heard during the filming. Can they be eliminated during the shoot, or will special sound recording equipment be needed? Traffic sounds, white noise of moving water, and voice echoes can ruin your chances for high quality sound.
Electrical outlet locations should be noted, if they are available. If not, the camera operator will need extra batteries to ensure that there is enough power for the entire shoot. This is also an issue for lighting, if there are no power outlets, the crew will need a generator to power lights, or another location to run extension cords with enough power to run the lighting equipment.
Another frequently overlooked issue, especially when planning outdoor shoots, is the climate. We check the forecast to be sure that it’s not raining, snowing, hailing, or worse for the date of filming. Video cameras tend to fail with too much damp air, by causing smeared lenses and moisture inside the tapes. Too much sunlight is just as bad as trying to shoot on a rainy day and colder temperatures drain batteries more quickly than filming at room temperature.
Often a permit is required to film in a public place, so it’s important to ensure that you have permission to film and you have a signed property release. One of the important things to note is whether or not the film crew will be holding up traffic or blocking entrance to businesses during the shoot, these things will put a quick stop to your video shoot and it’s always better to know in advance.
We take photos (and lots of notes) during the site survey to use in the storyboarding phase, and to be sure to remember the details of the location after we are back in the office. Site surveys can make or break the day of the shoot, without proper advance preparation, your shoot might be a huge failure.
