WHAT IS A FILM TECH SCOUT? (In the Entertainment industry.)

Tech Scouting / Photo Credit: John Grace - Slideshare

WHAT IS A FILM TECH SCOUT? (In the Entertainment industry.)         

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What is a film tech scout or location scout?  

When talking about photography, a Tech Scout is a term borrowed from the film industry. It refers to finding a location that will match the setting or scene of a story. Like filmmakers, photographers need to do tech scouting (also referred to as a location scouting or a location recce).

The number of things to pay attention to during a scout is a bit overwhelming. For films, television shows, and commercials, finding the perfect location is largely the responsibility of the location scout, who uses investigative research, travel, and photography to document potential locations that are perfect for filming.

You may have some locations in mind, or you might have to start with a virtual scout, a search using Google Maps and street view. You can use Google to search for iconic buildings, structures or other important locations.

The primary duty of a location/tech scout is to find an environment best suited for a particular scene, or the entire movie, TV show, or commercial. The search begins with the script, which indicates what kind of location is needed. The scouting of potential sites usually begins with a file search, leading to physical visits to actual sites, whether exterior or interior. The location scout is responsible for contacting property owners to gain permission to scout their property; permission also must be obtained from the appropriate authorities to prevent the possibility of trespassing or other legal liabilities that may occur. Location scouts often drive themselves to sites and may scout locations alone or with others. Once at a site, the scout makes descriptive notes and sketches and takes detailed photos and video that shows how the spot meets the aesthetic goals of the script, as well as noting details about the logistical implications of the site. The more details they can provide about a site to the director and producers, the better; a complete picture of what to expect during the shoot is expected. Ambient lighting conditions, ambient sound, parking areas for the crew, sources of electricity, and access to the site are just some of the most crucial details that should be scouted. Finally, once the location is chosen, the legal issues have been worked out, and the crew descends on the site, location scouts photograph the site to ensure that any “dressing” of the location, whether in the form of props and furniture or actual structural changes, can be easily undone and the location returned to its original condition once filming is complete.

A filming location is a place where some or all of a film or television series is produced, in addition to or instead of using sets constructed on a movie studio backlot or soundstage. In filmmaking, a location is any place where a film crew will be filming actors and recording their dialog. A location where dialog is not recorded may be considered as a second unit photography site. Filmmakers often choose to shoot on location because they believe that greater realism can be achieved in a "real" place; however, location shooting is often motivated by the film's budget. Many films shoot interior scenes on a sound stage and exterior scenes on location.    

Potential pitfalls

There are some potential problems that can get in the way of your shoot. Some may be disastrous for you if you haven’t thought ahead, especially on a commercial production where the budget is high.

One such pitfall is permits and licenses. People take images in public all the time, but as soon as you put a tripod down, or have a crew with you, you’ll likely be asked to move along if you can’t provide the proper permits.

Make sure you have the required equipment to shoot in the conditions you’ll be working. This can mean having the right accessories to protect you and your gear from the rain, and even having a large enough vehicle to transport bulky equipment like c-stands.

Parking is another issue you should determine ahead of time. Are you and your crew or the client going to be able to access the location easily, or you will have to walk a bit. If so, how are you going to transport your gear?

Lastly, if you’re shooting outside all day, what are you going to do about bathroom breaks? It may sound funny, but you won’t be able to leave thousands of dollars of equipment and the talent sitting around while you search out a loo. This is a scenario is where having an assistant is a must.

Bathroom breaks and meals/snacks are something that needs pre-planning.

Sources, References & Credits: Google, Wikipedia, Wikihow, WikiBooks, Pinterest, IMDB, Linked In, Indie Wire, Film Making Stuff, Hiive, Film Daily, New York Film Academy, The Balance, Careers Hub, The Numbers, Film Maker, TV Guide Magazine, Blurb, Media Match, Quora, Creative Skill Set, Chron, Investopedia, Variety, No Film School, WGA, BBC, Daily Variety, The Film Agency, Best Sample Resume, How Stuff Works, Career Trend, Producer's Code of Credits, Truity, Production Hub, Producers Guild of America, Film Connection, Variety, Wolf Crow, Get In Media, Production Beast, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, UCAS, Frankenbite, Realty 101, Careers Hub, Screen Play Scripts, Elements of Cinema, Script Doctor, ASCAP, Film Independent, Any Possibility, CTLsites, NYFA, Future Learn, Mad Studios, DP School,

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Tech Scouting / Photo Credit: John Grace - Slideshare