logistics - locations


starter:
list some of the reasons that locations are crucial to production.

  1. locations can influence the entire atmosphere of the piece.
  2. they can also reflect the character's moods or personalities.
  3. can show the relationships between the characters.
  4. space awareness.
what is a recce and why is it an essential part of location shooting pre-production?
  • a recce is a pre-filming visit to a location to find out if it's suitable for the filming process. this allows the team to look at any potential sound or lighting issues as well as the overall safety of that location.
  • it's essential because the location you choose has the power to change your entire scene just by the way it appears to people watching. it also ensures the safety of the location which is a top priority for any form of production. 
potential questions for your recce assessment...
  • Is location quiet enough for talking heads interview?
  • Is there a power source for charging batteries, setting up lighting and what voltage?
  • What is the access for vehicles and kit?
  • Do I need to take a camera with me to test contributors on screen?
  • What are the health & safety considerations?
additional notes:
  • the initial visit is likely to only be the location manager and designer.
  • following this, certain members of the crew will visit the location to check it. this will include the director of photography and the main technical crew before they start shooting.
  • ^ this is know as a 'technical recce'.
  • ^ this is where all of the decisions about how the production will be filmed.
  • it is advised that you attend the recce/s to provide specialist knowledge and make sure that what was planned will be possible. 
  • it is a good idea to invite colleagues and technical teams to ensure that everyone is happy with the requirements of the production and that all issues are dealt with before filming starts.
Location manager and assistant location manager:
  • their job is to find a place that they want to film at and ensure that it is accessible for the production.
  • not only that, they also need to make sure that the location is safe and affordable for the production.
  • after this, they have to have a meeting with the following crew members: director, production designers and other department heads.
  • they then start their research into places that fit the style or mood of the production.
  • the location manager will then plan recce visits to the locations.
  • during this, they will most likely do the following: take photos, write down notes, have conversations with the location owners and work out the costs of hiring the place for the duration of the shoot.
  • they then share their results with the director to get it approved.
  • next, they will negotiate and confirm contracts with the owners about hiring it out.
  • once filming starts, the location manager will be on location to make sure everything flows accordingly.
  • ^ this includes: making sure everyone knows how to get there and when and ensuring everyone knows their way around the location.
  • they negotiate parking, noise reduction, power sources, catering requirements and nay official permissions that may be needed with the site's management or owner.
  • they are responsible for ensuring it's safe for everyone.
  • after the shoot, they make sure that the location is cleaned and locked up, before returning it to its owner in a satisfactory condition. 
  • any damage must be reported to the production office and any insurance claims dealt with.
without having a location manager or a person managing locations in any way, the production can run into countless problems for the team. this could include: not having the right permits to film and getting thrown out of an area, getting an unsafe location, or even having the wrong location for a scene. if the job isn't scheduled and completed in the right times, it can set the whole production back and would lead to all areas of the film missing their deadlines.



























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