How can you ensure a smooth permit application and location scouting process for video production?

Find out who owns the land or property you are wanting to shoot on, and if it's private or public property. For public property, it will often be owned by the city/state. Permits widely vary in pricing, and sometimes land is owned by a specific government agency (US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, etc.) For private property, the owner may be more difficult to contact, but you will still need written permission from them in the form of a location agreement.

Before starting the permit application process, it's essential to thoroughly research and understand the rules and regulations governing filming in your chosen location. This includes obtaining any necessary permits, licenses, or permissions required by local authorities. Ignoring or overlooking these regulations can lead to delays, fines, or even legal issues down the line.

Not a hard and fast rule, but the more populated a city is, the more expensive the film permit will cost. If you are in a metro area, don't rule out smaller suburban areas for scouting. Those permits are generally 5-10 times cheaper than permits for larger city areas.

Bei der Auswahl der richtigen Location ist es wichtig, mehrere Aspekte zu berücksichtigen und nicht nur auf ?sthetik zu schauen. Eine Location sollte schnell erreichbar sein für alle Beteiligten. Au?erdem sollte sie dem Budget entsprechen. Dann sollte sie zu den gewünschten Videoaufnahmen passen, die gedreht werden sollen. Au?erdem sollte die Location auch verfügbar sein. Es macht keinen Sinn, sich auf eine Location zu versteifen, die permanent ausgebucht ist oder mit deren Inhaber die Kommunikation schwierig und kompliziert ist. Das würde zus?tzlich Zeit und Energie rauben.

When scouting for filming locations, consider factors such as accessibility, aesthetics, suitability for your project's requirements, and budget constraints. Look for locations that align with your creative vision while also being practical in terms of logistics and cost. It's essential to strike a balance between finding the perfect setting and staying within budget to avoid unnecessary expenses and complications.

Plan in advance as much as possible! Fail to plan, plan to fail as they say! In these instances you never know what obstacles you might hit. So give yourself enough time for two reasons: 1- It might take longer than you expect. 2- You might be refused. TOP TIP From the start work on 2 alternatives, this way you have back ups already underway incase you need them. Of course don’t go through to a payment stage, and be honest that this is an alternative so that if you are talking to someone they don’t get annoyed that you are waiting their time. ENJOY!

Effective planning is key to a smooth permit application and location scouting process. Start the process well in advance of your shoot date to allow ample time for securing permits, conducting site visits, and addressing any potential challenges or setbacks. However, it's also essential to remain flexible and adaptable in case unexpected issues arise during the scouting process. Being prepared to adjust your plans or explore alternative options can help mitigate disruptions and keep your project on track.

A golden rule I live by: Always leave the location better than you found it. The location owner will appreciate this and will be grateful for the extra level of care you had while using their location.