What are locations?
A location is where your film is recorded.
Locations are chosen early in the filmmaking process. They need to:
- fit the story
- be safe to use
- have the correct permissions in place
The locations team puts up filming notices, manages access, and makes sure everyone knows what is and isn't allowed on site.
They are usually first on set and last to leave, and they make sure every location is left exactly as it was found.
Video - locations
Watch this video on locations in filmmaking!
Where your film is set is a big part of the storytelling.
Choice of location can change the mood and shape the story.
Sometimes you shoot in a real place.
Sometimes it’s a set.
Either way, the look and feel of your location plays a big part in creating the world of your film
But it also has to work in practice.
Before you film, check space, sound, light and whether you can actually work there.
Is it busy? Will people pass through? Can you set up your shots and keep everyone safe? Are you allowed to film here?
And ask one more thing: does this place support your story and theme, or is it just nice?
Pick locations that look good and work for your shoot.
Key points
- Locations provide the setting for your story.
- A film and screen product may use a built set as its location or a real ‘found’ location.
- It's important that you always To visit a location and check if it will be suitable for filming. a location before filming to make sure it will work for your production.
- You must make sure you have permission to film there.
On screen examples - locations
- Image source, imageBROKER.com/ Alamy
Image caption, Using real locations
The Harry Potter films used a number of Scottish locations for key scenes. The Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands, appeared as the bridge crossed by the Hogwarts Express on its journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets', this is the location where Harry and Ron catch up with the train in their flying car.
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Try this - locations
Watch this video and give this locations exercise a go!
Your location should help create the world of your film, and work practically.
Think of a character – maybe a hero or villain you’ve invented.
Choose two possible locations for a scene involving your character.
How does the location relate to the story or character?
Film a ten second test shot in each one.
Check space, sound, light, safety and whether the location helps tell your story.
Which location would you choose to film in?
Roles/Departments
- Director - Has a creative vision for how locations should look and often give a brief to the locations team.
- Producer - Makes sure locations are safe and practical for using, as well as working with the locations team to make sure they have permissions.
- Location manager - Oversees the locations department and handles practicalities as well as budget .
- Location scout - Searches for, finds and photographs locations which fit a Director’s brief.
- Location marshall/Runner - Helps keep the location tidy and organised, puts up signs that are needed and ‘locks off’ to stop people walking through shots during filming.
Think about
- What kind of location would visually suit each scene in the story you are telling?
- Is the location practical to film in - e.g. not too noisy, busy or hard to light?
- Can you get permission to film there without being interrupted?
Things to look for
Image source, Tim Clayton / Getty Images - Consider the when and where of you story when choosing the right location.
- Use a crew member to ‘lock off’ - politely stopping people from walking through your shot when filming and putting up signage where necessary.
- Always leave a location how you found it - take a photo when you get there before filming, then afterwards match the photo by leaving the location tidy and moving any objects back to the right place.
Image source, Tim Clayton / Getty Images Things to consider
- Make sure you have access to practical things like plug points, nearby toilets, and bins for the crew to use when filming.
- Think about how the location changes throughout the day - eg, a school corridor might be quiet during a lesson but then busy when the bell goes. This might affect your filming times and schedule.
- Always be sure you have permission from the right people for filming in a location
- Remember the length of your filming day will be affected by time of year and when it gets light in the morning and dark in the evening.
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