Few pre‑production tasks carry as much weight as the film production tech scout. It has the power to make or break a production’s budget, schedule, and even the project itself. This stage is where your crew, top department heads and key stakeholders, dive into the “how” of filming: camera setups, lighting, sound, logistics, safety, power, and more.
While location scouting focuses on finding places that fit the story visually, the tech scout is the deep dive into the production itself. Every detail must be scrutinized, from where to place equipment and park trucks, to optimal shooting times and how the day’s schedule should flow.
While crew size can vary from one production to the next, there are a few key people who should always be part of a tech scout. This includes the Director, Director of Photography (DP), 1st Assistant Director (1st AD), Producer, Location Manager and key department heads such as Gaffer, Key Grip, Sound Mixer, and Production Designer. Each person brings a unique perspective to make sure the location supports the creative vision while also covering all the technical, logistical, and safety considerations.
Having a clear game plan on a tech scout makes it much easier to manage. A simple three-step approach keeps everyone on the same page and helps make sure nothing important slips through the cracks:
- Crew Huddle: The Director sets the tone of the tech scout. Initial discussions focus on what’s being shot, what actions unfold, and what visuals are essential at each location.
- Department Breakouts: From lighting to grip, sound to production everyone asks exactly what they need to make their job possible.
- Team Debriefs and Checklists: The 1st AD, Production Manager, Location Manager, and G&E heads gather intel on permits, load‑ins, holding spaces, power access, and safety issues.
Many productions lean on a checklist of items to ensure nothing is overlooked. You can download the Tech Scout Checklist we use here.
Tech Scout Considerations in Colorado
When planning a film production tech scout in Colorado, unique environmental and logistical factors come into play. To prevent costly delays and maintain crew safety, it’s important to carefully evaluate the following areas in advance.
Altitude & Weather Considerations
Many popular filming areas in the state (Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Telluride, or Estes Park) sit at elevations above 7,000 feet. At these heights, the air is thinner, humidity is lower, and weather conditions can shift rapidly, all of which have direct implications on a shoot.
- Crew Health: At high altitudes, the reduced oxygen level can lead to fatigue, dehydration, headaches, and in severe cases, altitude sickness. Identify shaded rest areas, designate hydration stations, and consider providing supplemental oxygen canisters for those who may be sensitive.
- Weather Swings: You might scout in sunshine and shoot under a foot of snow within a week. Departments must prepare cold weather packages, padded cable solutions, and wind‑proof grip setups. Create plans for sheltering crew and gear during lightning or high wind events.
- Equipment Performance: Generators may run less efficiently due to thinner air, requiring derating (i.e., reducing their maximum power output). Drones have reduced lift at elevation, which affects flight times and payload. Account for these factors when calculating power needs or aerial coverage.
Power & Logistics in Remote Areas
Remote locations in the mountains often present significant power challenges, as they typically lack access to reliable grid electricity or professional tie-in options.
- Generators: Select the right type and number of generators based on your lighting and equipment load, planning fuel staging areas that are both accessible and environmentally safe, and calculating total cable runs to ensure proper distribution without voltage drop.
- Terrain Limitations: Steep slopes or narrow roads may restrict vehicle access, requiring smaller, portable generators or extended cable lengths. Weather-proof enclosures can save the day when conditions change unexpectedly.
Permits & Seasonal Constraints
Colorado’s film permit ecosystem is well‑established but nuanced:
- State parks, national forests, county roads: all require multi-level approvals. Permit turnaround can be up to 60 days.
- Seasons change the game: Some roads close in winter; wildlife closures apply during certain months; noise ordinances shift with local schedules.
- Environmental sensitivity: High alpine ecosystems demand protection. Route planning must avoid fragile flora and must include safety briefings and environmental drop‑zones.
A tech scout should have the Production Office and Location Manager meet with location owners, park rangers or State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO) to walk through every permit, closure point, or eco-sensitive zone.
Film Production Tech Scout Tips
To get the most out of your scout, it’s essential to think beyond equipment placement and location aesthetics. Here are a few key tips to help ensure your tech scout sets the stage for a smooth, successful production:
- Back‑ups matter: Always identify alternate load-in routes, parking zones, and secondary shoot locations in case of last-minute issues like road closures, permit conflicts, or inclement weather.
- Local hires = local knowledge: Crew with experience in the area can offer valuable insights on neighborhood dynamics, regional regulations, and logistical quirks that aren’t obvious at first glance.
- Time-of-day matters: Lighting, shadows, and ambient noise can vary significantly depending on when you shoot. Scout at the same time of day you plan to film to accurately assess conditions and avoid surprises.
- Crew comfort = efficiency: A comfortable, well-prepared crew is more productive. Plan for shade, hydration, weather protection, and realistic turnaround times to keep morale (and performance) high.
A tech scout isn’t just about logistics… it’s about setting your production up for success. Whether you’re filming in the heart of downtown or deep in the Colorado backcountry, the more prepared you are during the scout, the smoother and safer your shoot will be. Take the time to walk the space, ask the tough questions, and plan for the unexpected. Your client and crew will thank you.
Movie Mogul offers full-service support for both location scouting and tech scouting, ensuring your production runs smoothly from start to finish. Whether you’re shooting a commercial, documentary, or feature film, let us assist you on your next shoot. To get you started, download our Tech Scout Checklist here.