Location Scout

A location scout selects locations for film and television productions and decides where the story should take place. They do this using artistic criteria and research and cooperating with the production designer and the director .

What does a location scout do?

Before a location scout goes out to find locations, they must first read the script and have a meeting with the production designer. This way, they can quickly understand the mood of scene and imagine places where it would make sense. While studying the script, he develops a list of requirements for the location. This often begins with a mind map- a visualisation of the moods, the locations and the action milieu. This is often made with plenty of pictures of buildings, landscapes and atmospheres.

The link between the creative and organisational teams

A good location scout has an eye for detail so that they can easily decide whether the planned scenes can be realised in the intended location. They must also be able to assess some production technology to run through possible shots in the decided location. In addition to the artistic aspects, they must also think about the costs and logistics.

What skills does a location scout need?

A knowledgeable and subtle eye for times and locations, styles and characters is essential to ensure that the story, the hero's charisma and the external conditions fit together. He needs a very good spatial and visual imagination and must have an excellent knowledge of architectural and cultural history. It is also important to have emotional intelligence and be skilled at communicating with strangers who offer their private property for filming. You must be organised and understand the technical terms and processes of filming.

How do you become a location scout?

There is no professional training to be a location scout but there some courses available to familiarise yourself with the job. Alternatively, you can complete an internship or shadow a location scout for experience.

What types of locations are location scouts looking for?

The demand for locations for film and television productions is high. In almost all films, flats and houses have a high significance. In the Berlin region, for example, more than 300 films are produced every year. The most popular film locations are rented private flats. Location scouts often ring the doorbells of certain flats and ask about the possibility of renting special rooms for a film. Anyone who would like to make locations available for filming or photo shoots can contact a scout agency.

How much does it cost to rent a location?

Depending on the company and location, companies pay around 100 euros an hour for the location. For longer shoots, the monthly rent for the flat can quickly add up; you can calculate with a net cold rent for one day of shooting. However, filming is an invasion of privacy. Production companies are also happy to change a flat by arrangement, for example by rearranging the rooms or changing the colour of the walls.

What do you earn as a location scout?

Location scouts work on a freelance basis. Their work is project-based. When film productions are looking for locations, they ask these experts. The wage varies, but in the feature film sector it averages around €300 per day.

Are you interested in a job as a location scout or are you the owner of a great location for film and TV productions?

starboxx arranges events and shoots in special locations. Applications can be submitted online at any time.