Things to consider when you tech scout a location

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As an Assistant Director sometimes I get to wear many hats especially when working on low budget projects where there is no location manager. When doing a tech scout of locations, I often have a list of questions I try to figure out at each site that help me with the logistical needs before shooting. Sometimes these are mini conversations with a locations person or the UPM or the site rep that will assist me in getting the info needed for each location.

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Name of Location:

Prep (dates) - Can you get in early to do art prep or pre-rig lighting?

Shoot (dates) - When are the actual dates? Do you have a 12 or 14 hour window?

Wrap (dates)

Address:

Contact Person

Contact Cell Phone

Contact Email

Restroom Situation - Are there restooms avail? Do we need to rent porta potties or a honey wagon?

Crew Parking - Is there any parking on site and how many spaces?  If not what are the options? Do we need to shuttle crew?  What about a parking lot nearby?

WIFI Code - Is there wifi we can use?  Do we need to rent wifi?

Hair/Makeup Area - Is there a room with enough light to do HMU complete setup or last minute touches? If the room is dark do we need to run a light from the G&E department?  

Wardrobe Area / Actor Changing Rooms - Is there a place that wardrobe can setup where Actors can change in between takes?  

Camera Staging Area - Is there a safe place to leave equipment overnight?  Will there be security?

DIT Setup

Production Office - Where can the UPM, 2nd AD and Producers setup their mobile offices if not working in a trailer?  

Crafty - Where is the closest we can setup crafty near SET that will not be in the way?

Catering - Where is the best place to set up catering nearby?  Are we setting up tables/chairs or using an existing eating area?

Truck Parking - Where are we parking the Trucks, Generator, Trailers etc? Can you tell us what roads or parking lots might be the best place from previous experience?

Special Notes - etc...