Tips on Finding the Perfect Location to Shoot Film
Finding the perfect location to shoot film can be made easy even for a newbie film director. If you have decided to get into film making, whether it's for a small production or for fun, this should be the next task after writing the script. You don't need to worry about being new at all, as long as you remain friendly, polite, and resourceful. To help you out in your film making venture, here are tips on how to do it.
1. Study your script
The best way to really start your searching a location to shoot film is to go over your script again. This is not just to scout the best people to bring your characters to life but also the places you can shoot the scenes. If needed, you can check out small movie productions in YouTube, those which may be five minutes in length but are awesome. Imagine your areas even if it's just in the car. This way you can scout for locations even better as you know what to look for (whether the place should be spacious, bright, or gloomy).
2. Research in your area
The best place to start your search for a place to shoot would be you locality. This is in fact the most practical since it would save you some money. If you live in Los Angeles then better; there are so many areas there, and even homes, to do your film. But before you check out places to rent you can start with locations you can shoot for free and without permits. A great place to start would be your family's place. Ask your mom or dad, and if it's okay then it's a plus for you. That's one worry out of the way.
3. Check out public areas
Parks and other public settings are other grounds you can check out. However you need to acquire a permit from the city hall or town hall for this. You need to state how long you'll be doing the film or using the venue. This way they can have the area where you're planning to shoot blocked from other people for you to work on your movie.
Schools and library is another option for such a place. These places will allow you to even shoot scenes in their after hours. Asking permits would allow the guards or caretaker to keep them open for you and to even assist you if you need anything from their building.
4. Diner, restaurant, or coffee shop
The diner is a good idea where you can do your movie. While this may also need a permit, you need to talk first to the owner. Be extra polite since filming there would mean interrupting their business.
Shooting a film can be very fun especially if you are with your friends or people who have the same interest as yours. By this it would be great to find the perfect location to shoot film with your buddies especially if they once had experience with it. They will surely give you additional options on where to shoot, especially areas which you can use for free. And if they had done this before you won't have a hard time asking for permits since they already have the credibility needed. But if you decide to do this alone, remember to be polite. Know all the details you need for your film making. This way you'll be able to maximize your film location's use and shoot the movie with much ease.
1. Study your script
The best way to really start your searching a location to shoot film is to go over your script again. This is not just to scout the best people to bring your characters to life but also the places you can shoot the scenes. If needed, you can check out small movie productions in YouTube, those which may be five minutes in length but are awesome. Imagine your areas even if it's just in the car. This way you can scout for locations even better as you know what to look for (whether the place should be spacious, bright, or gloomy).
2. Research in your area
The best place to start your search for a place to shoot would be you locality. This is in fact the most practical since it would save you some money. If you live in Los Angeles then better; there are so many areas there, and even homes, to do your film. But before you check out places to rent you can start with locations you can shoot for free and without permits. A great place to start would be your family's place. Ask your mom or dad, and if it's okay then it's a plus for you. That's one worry out of the way.
3. Check out public areas
Parks and other public settings are other grounds you can check out. However you need to acquire a permit from the city hall or town hall for this. You need to state how long you'll be doing the film or using the venue. This way they can have the area where you're planning to shoot blocked from other people for you to work on your movie.
Schools and library is another option for such a place. These places will allow you to even shoot scenes in their after hours. Asking permits would allow the guards or caretaker to keep them open for you and to even assist you if you need anything from their building.
4. Diner, restaurant, or coffee shop
The diner is a good idea where you can do your movie. While this may also need a permit, you need to talk first to the owner. Be extra polite since filming there would mean interrupting their business.
Shooting a film can be very fun especially if you are with your friends or people who have the same interest as yours. By this it would be great to find the perfect location to shoot film with your buddies especially if they once had experience with it. They will surely give you additional options on where to shoot, especially areas which you can use for free. And if they had done this before you won't have a hard time asking for permits since they already have the credibility needed. But if you decide to do this alone, remember to be polite. Know all the details you need for your film making. This way you'll be able to maximize your film location's use and shoot the movie with much ease.
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