Location Scouting
Location Scouting at College
When I was still planning on filming at College for my “Incompetent robbers” film, I did some location scouting at College. I took photos. This was to help me work out where I could set action in, to check that my idea is feasible. I took photos inside, and at the front of College.
These 2 photos outside the front were important since I hadn’t realised that there would be building work around reception. No one knew for sure how long it would be going on. Reception was a key location, so this location scouting contributed to my decision that I needed a new idea.
Location Scouting in the Wood by my house
I visited the wood several times, scouting locations. Here are some photos.
[Update: If you have watched my film, you will recognise many of the photos.]
I find location scouting very helpful, since it allows me to get a picture in my head. Although I take photos to refer back to for specific things, I find that it is the “moving” nature of actually being there that sticks in my mind and helps me to plan, rather than the static photos.
I am very happy with the possible locations in the wood that I have found. I have a great series of places for Sam P to walk through at the start, including some horizontal trees that I can put some of the opening credits on. I have a good wide area of path that people can easily see a very short and obvious alternate way to walk rather than past my filming set up, or there is plenty of space to walk past us if they want. I already knew about the bench, but it is always good to confirm that it is still there.
I am also pleased that my 2 main shooting locations are not too far from where I am planning to set up my filming base with the tent. The filming base is in an open area with no paths through, so I will not be getting inn anyone’s way. The main area of path for the time travel is visible from my filming base and so is easy to go back to when I want different equipment. The bench is not visible but is still close.
I am sill concerned about the possibility of rain, but this is as good a location as any for that. It has easy access from my house, and also somewhere for a car with the equipment to park close to
It is as safe as a wood can be, and I have factored everything that I can think of into my Risk Assessment. Since I filmed my Year 1 FMP in this wood last year, and I am using the area that I filmed last year as my base to put the tent, this familiarity is useful.
I am happy with these particular locations of the wood, and I can envisage my shots there.