Location Scouting 101

Location scouting forms the backbone of any well-executed production. Your shooting environment shapes your story and delivers a sense of authenticity to your audience. Scouting isn’t just about aesthetics. It demands strategic planning, logistical savvy, and problem-solving.

Before scouting, we always read the creative brief. From the brief, you should be able to put together a list of all needed locations. Add in the script, shot list or the mood board and you will have everything you need. Once the creative brief has been reviewed, there are six questions to consider when selecting a location.

Match the Location to the Brief

Identify each scene’s essential visual and emotional needs. Does your brief or script call for a moody alley, Victorian mansion, mountain ranch, or modern office? Location scouts work closely with directors and production designers to interpret the project’s needs and match them to real-world sites.

When scouts generate initial location ideas, they don’t just look for great visuals. They test whether each option fits your budget, camera gear, and shooting schedule. For example, a stunning mansion might wow your crew but if it lacks power or limits rigging, it may not be practical.

When debating between several choices, always lean towards the eye-catching locations; they add so much to the quality of the visuals. Choose cityscapes that have beautiful backdrops. Wide open spaces with beautiful skies. Unique architectural elements like textures, patterns, and shapes that would add something special to the shot.

When’s The Shoot?

So many times clients have a great location in mind only to realize that the time of day makes it impossible to shoot there. A downtown street might look great at 9am on a Saturday but go there at rush hour on a Monday and suddenly there’s all sorts of problems. It’s critical to scout locations at the time the shoot is scheduled.

Time of day matters not only for crowds, noise and traffic but for sun position as well. Pay attention to whether a given spot is in full sun, partial sun or full shade. Bright sun can be harsh on people’s faces, and light-colored surfaces can blow out in full sunlight. Sun-tracking apps are a good investment and let you see the arc of the sun throughout the day.

Is It Accessible?

The most beautiful location will become a liability if you can’t get your cast, crew and equipment to and from it. How far up a mountain do you need to hike to get the shot? How long will low tide last before your beach location is underwater? Doing a cost vs. benefit analysis is always important in deciding where to shoot.

Once you’ve got your gear in the location, is there a place to stage it so that it is easy to access, but not in the way? Will you have enough power for everything you need? Are there bathrooms nearby? All of these must be checked off before committing to any location.

For example, filming at Maroon Bells in Colorado poses logistical challenges despite its stunning scenery. From mid-May to October, private vehicles are restricted, and visitors (including filmmakers) must take a shuttle bus to access the area, making equipment transport difficult. The site also draws heavy tourist crowds during peak hours, which can complicate clean shots and controlled setups.

Is It Quiet?

Location audio can make or break a shoot. When scouting a location, determine if you will actually be able to capture clean, high quality audio. The last thing you want to hear every other take is “Hold for sound!” just because you missed something important when scouting the location.

Take a moment to listen to the background noise. Do you hear HVAC, refrigerator, or equipment noises in an office? Traffic noise or planes overhead outdoors? Can the noise be removed or controlled? I generally ask the person I am doing the scout with whether or not these elements can be turned off. In most situations (outside of traffic or planes) they can be accommodating.

How Much Will It Cost?

The truth is that some places are cheaper to work in than others. Look for locations that encourage film production and offer tax incentives/rebates. If you’re tied to a certain city or state, tap into local resources in the area like film commissions and tourism boards. They always have lots of ideas on where to shoot.

To save money or get access to a popular spot, consider reducing the amount of time that you need the space, shooting at off peak hours or limiting the number of people you bring on location. The less you are asking for the easier it will be to secure a location.

For example, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science can charge $2,000 to $4,000 per hour for after-hours film shoots, depending on the exhibit and crew size. If you can shoot early in the morning or in a single exhibit hall with a skeleton crew, those rates may drop significantly. Similarly, Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum offers visually stunning backdrops but typically requires a minimum rental fee of $3,000 for large productions.

Who’s in Charge?

Make sure you find the person with the authority to actually grant you access to the space and sign a location agreement. If the space is privately owned, it could be as simple as approaching the property owner. However, if it is owned by a business, nonprofit, or other organization you will probably need to start with the property manager and then seek final approval from their leadership or board. A similar process will probably apply if you are trying to film on public property, except you may need to seek additional permits or insurance beyond a standard location agreement.

Be aware that you’ll need to secure permits and other legal permissions to shoot at certain locations. As you’re looking at a location, understand ahead of time if it is needed and ensure you leave enough lead time to secure any permits.

Once you’ve committed to a location, treat it like you would treat your home. Respect the site and leave it like you found it. Do a walk through with the owner and make sure everything is OK. There have been times when I have tried to secure a location only to be turned away because of a bad experience a location had with an irresponsible production company. Don’t be that guy. Always ensure that the experience is positive for everyone involved. You never know when you might be back.

Why Scouting Pays Off

Choosing the right location sets the tone for production success. It boosts efficiency, maintains crew morale, and enhances the visual impact of your story. By investing time, energy, and attention during scouting, you create stability. You build a strong foundation for your story and empower every department to perform at its best.

By scouting smart, communicating clearly, and preparing for every scenario, you ensure your production thrives… your story shines, and your shoot day hits its stride.

From Colorado to Utah, from Wyoming to New Mexico, our team of experienced Location Scouts has travelled all across the Rocky Mountain West uncovering visually stunning and unique locations. We also represent a variety of unique locations in Colorado, from homes and ranches to museums and restaurants. If you need a Location Scout on your next shoot, drop us a line.