How can you manage location scouting with minimal equipment?

1 Use your smartphone

Your smartphone is probably the most versatile and convenient tool you can use for location scouting. You can use it to take photos and videos of potential locations, record audio notes, check maps and directions, communicate with your team, and access online resources. You can also use various apps to enhance your scouting experience, such as location scouting apps, photo editing apps, compass apps, weather apps, and more. Just make sure you have enough storage space, battery life, and data plan to support your scouting activities.

2 Create a checklist

Before you go out to scout locations, it's a wise idea to create a checklist of what you should look for and document. This will help you save time and make sure nothing important is missed. Your checklist could include the name and address of the location, the contact information of the owner or manager, the availability and cost of the location, the size and layout of the space, the lighting and sound conditions, the power sources and outlets, the access and parking options, the permits and permissions required, any safety or security issues, as well as nearby facilities and amenities. You can use a paper notebook, a digital document, or an app to create and manage your checklist.

3 Bring a measuring tape

A measuring tape is a handy accessory that can help you assess the dimensions and proportions of a location. You can use it to measure the height, width, and depth of walls, doors, windows, furniture, and other elements. This will help you plan your camera angles, framing, and blocking, as well as determine the equipment and crew size you need. You can also use a measuring tape to mark the positions of actors and props, or to create a floor plan or a sketch of the location.

4 Use a color chart

A color chart is a card or a sheet that displays a range of colors, usually in a grid or a spectrum. You can use it to check the color accuracy and balance of your photos and videos, as well as to adjust the white balance and exposure settings of your camera. A color chart can also help you evaluate the color mood and tone of a location, and how it matches your creative vision. You can buy a professional color chart, or make your own with a printer or a paint store.

5 Scout at different times

One of the most important factors that can affect the look and feel of a location is the time of day. Depending on the position and direction of the sun, the location can have different levels and qualities of light, shadow, and color. Therefore, it's advisable to scout a location at different times of the day, especially during the golden hour (the first and last hour of sunlight) and the blue hour (the period before sunrise and after sunset). You can also scout a location at different times of the year, if possible, to see how the seasons change its appearance.

6 Ask for feedback

Finally, don't forget to ask for feedback from your team and other stakeholders, such as your director, producer, cinematographer, production designer, and client. They may have different perspectives and opinions on the locations you scout, and they may spot something that you missed or overlooked. You can share your photos, videos, notes, and checklists with them, and ask them to rate, comment, or suggest alternatives. You can use email, cloud storage, or online collaboration tools to facilitate this process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?