As things slowly go back to normal, many video production companies are returning to the pre-pandemic workflow. A huge part of producing top-quality video content is choosing the best location for your story. Location scouting can be both fun and hectic at times. There’s a lot of elements to be checked before you can start filming. We’ll show you how to choose a location for video production.

Being a video production company in San Francisco has presented several opportunities to work in locations in and out of the city. From beaches to gyms to parks, and a lot more, we must say that finding each location was a unique experience for us. Let’s get into it!

Know How You’ll Get There

Logistical factors are as essential as the other creative aspects in video production. This is a no-brainer! It’s important to know how you’ll reach a location, how many hours it will take to get there, travel expenses, availability, etc.

Before arriving at your location, check if you can view the area using Google Earth. This will give you an idea of what to expect, especially if it’s your first time visiting the place. Once you’re there, survey the nearest buildings, the community, the roads, and so on to strategize how your crew should set up in your chosen spot. Sometimes providing a detailed map for the crew with logistical information can be very helpful for your video production.

Choose a Location that Suits Your Plot

Pick a venue that matches what you envision in your script. This is one of the ways on how you’ll find the perfect setting for your video content. Focus on the fact that you’re trying to share a story or a message through your video, so selecting the right spot that fits your plot plays a big factor!

Are you looking for an abandoned building for a scary video? A nice beach in San Francisco for your surf-themed content? Or a park with many flowers for a romantic scene? Understand what the script requires and create a checklist of qualities and elements you’re looking for. This will narrow down your options which will eventually lead you to the right location.

Lights Please!

Okay, so now you found a venue that looks nice and has a good feel into it. The next thing you need to know is if the location has good lighting levels.

Knowing the lighting available in the location gives your video production crew an idea of how many lights and what tools you should bring to achieve the right mood for your scene. Make the most out of the light the space has. It’s important to create a vibe that looks natural on video. Knowing the amount of both natural light and artificial light in the location is important before you start shooting. This is one of the key’s to how to choose a location for video production.

Sound Check, One, Two

All good with the lights? Great! The next step is checking the sound in and around your location. You would definitely want less noise to achieve high-quality audio. 

Echoes, the buzzing traffic, barking of dogs in the house nearby, etc. are some of the things you have to watch out for when doing location scouting. Record the sound in the surroundings using your camera’s microphone and listen to what it picks up using a headset. Take note of any interference that can cause interruptions when filming. Is there any construction scheduled nearby? You may be able to check with the city for upcoming noise disruptions due to traffic.

I’ve Got the Power!

Surveying power sources in the location is important during pre-production. This goes for both indoor and outdoor spaces. You may have brought all the equipment you need but what are you going to do with them if the venue doesn’t have the power needed to turn them on?

Having enough power options to work with makes the video production team’s job easier. Another aspect you have to check is the safety of the power system. Make sure that it can handle the load from your tools to avoid any accidents.

Take Notes and Pictures

Creating a detailed report for the locations you’ve checked is very important in video production. This helps your crew make the right decision on where to shoot. Take as many images and notes as you can and review them carefully when choosing the best spot for your script.

Make sure that all the gathered information can easily be absorbed by the whole team. Some of the details you can include in the report are population, landmarks, fire exits, number of rooms, windows, and any element which you feel should be taken note of.

You might also consider using the Sunsurveyor app to see where the sun will be. Will this cause any issues?

Ask for Permission

Lights? Check! Sound? Check! Power Source? Check! So what else should you need to know about your location? Availability! You have to know if you can legally shoot in the spot or not. Do you need a film permit?

It’s important to secure permits before you film at a specific location. Check if the venue is privately-owned or if it’s a public place to know who you should talk to before you proceed.

If the location is private property, reach out to the owners so you can come up with an agreement. But if it’s on a street or a park, make sure to get in touch with officials to get the legal documents you need. Remember, it’s a lot better to get permission before video production starts to avoid any interruption from property owners or local authorities. 

San Francisco film commission office has a streamlined area to apply for permits. Oakland film permits can be found here. San Jose film permits are relatively easy to get as well. Lastly, check out the Santa Cruz film permit office.

And if you’re not allowed to film at your chosen venue, don’t waste your time trying to push it. Look for other locations where you can get permission to film. 

Wrap Up

One small issue with the location can make a big impact on your project. This is why investing time doing the required research is essential to avoid any interruptions or additional costs. Looking for more info on scouting for film production? Check out this videomaker article.

Remember, you might need more than one location for your content. This is why you have to put in the preparation needed to make sure your crew found the right spot and has everything ready before the camera starts to roll.

If you are opting for a sound stage, a few of our favorites are: Ciel(Berkeley), and Intrepid(San Raphael).

Thanks for taking the time to read our top seven tips for how to choose a location for video production. Looking for a San Francisco video production team for your content? Contact us now!