Location Recces.

Location recces are people also known as location scouts, and their main job is to find suitable locations to film in. When searching for these places, they should always bring a mobile phone, a camera, a notebook and pen, the programme risk assessment form, maps/directions, their student ID card, a brief and a checklist of all these things, plus things that they should find out whilst they're there.

For each of these locations they find, they should fill out a checklist made specifically for location scouting, to make sure they find out every detail that would be needed to film in that place. This would include talking to the owners of the land, exchanging details, and discussing the right to film on their property. Other things such as local events, dress codes, availability for filming and a contract/fees should also be talked over with them.

They should take into consideration how accessible it is to reach the location, and to film on it. They should find out how they can get onto the land - through car, walking, etc. - and what's on the land itself. Are there toilets, shelter, and places to eat if the filming will take up the best part of a day? Will traffic control be needed due to a busy road? Is there a risk of accidentally trespassing onto another piece of land during filming? Things like hazards, and hazardous environments should also be thought about, including tidal waters, and if boats are needed.

Camera and lighting should be considered too, as, for example, if the shot requires footage of the sun rising, they need to figure out in what direction the sun would rise/set in, and whether that would affect the lighting of the shots. If the location is inside, things such as the direction of windows, strobing lights and TV/computer screens could also affect the lighting. They should also check to see whether there is a power supply for the equipment that will need to be used to film, and also if there is a secure place to place kits. As well as this, if the location itself is too small to fit all of the equipment and crew inside, it would be useless, and there could be hazards if there are cables, or uneven flooring.

Sounds should be thought about, as the microphone may pick up small noises that wouldn't work with the film. Things such as the noise from traffic, roadworks, aircrafts, air conditional units, fridges, background music, PA systems and electrical hazards should all be noted down. Not only this, but nearby schools can easily cause noise, as well as the weather and creaky wooden flooring will cause noise within shots.

The director should also make sure to take photographs of the location, including general views (GV) and top shots to get an idea of the entire area within the location, to make sure that it would be suitable to film. Cutaways should also be thought about, as well as the background in the shots, and any events and additional contributors that would be involved with shooting.

If the filming may take over a day, and would require actors and cast to stay on location, things such as food and accommodation would need to be thought about too, to give them somewhere to stay overnights, and also so that they are provided with decent meals each day.