The script says "an abandoned swimming pool, early morning light". The location scout spends three days driving, checking old photos and asking around, and comes back with eight options. Each has a folder of wide photos, notes on parking and power, and the name of the person who holds the keys. The location scout is the person who goes out and finds the real places a production could film in.
What a location scout does
The location scout works for the location manager, usually at the start of pre-production and sometimes already in development when a producer wants to know what a story will cost to film. They read the script, talk to the director and production designer about the look, and then search, by car, on foot, through contacts and through location libraries.
For each promising place they take a set of photographs that show the space from all sides, note the direction of the light, and check practical points like access for trucks, noise, nearby parking and who the owner is. They also make a first, careful contact with the owner. The location manager then decides which options go to the director.
Responsibilities
- Read the script and break down the locations it needs
- Discuss the look and feel with the director, designer and location manager
- Search for and visit possible locations
- Photograph each location in a clear, complete way
- Note practical details such as access, parking, power, light and noise
- Make first contact with owners and find out if filming is possible
- Keep a library of locations for future projects
How the role touches the budget
Lightly. The scout is paid a day or weekly rate, and mileage and travel are in the locations budget. Their influence is in the choices they bring back. A location that is close to others, has parking and needs little dressing saves money for the whole production. A scout who knows what a line producer cares about will flag costly problems early.
How people get into the role
Many scouts start as location assistants, photographers or runners in the locations department. A good eye, a camera, a car and patience are the basic tools. Experienced scouts often specialise in a region and know its towns, buildings and landowners well. Some combine scouting with location management.
In TV and commercials
Commercials use scouts heavily, since the right look is everything and the client often wants many options. The work is fast, sometimes only a few days. In television scouts may also look for places that can be used for many episodes or seasons. See our location guide for examples of places used for filming across Europe.