Video marketing is an up and rising trend across all industries. It engages the audience and makes it easier for businesses to tell their stories. Earlier this year, Facebook saw a 50% increase in the number of users in the U.S. watching Facebook live streams since January. This shows that consumers are watching videos more than the past, and it makes it harder to grab their attention through photos or written content.
There are various platforms that can be used to showcase your videos – Facebook Live, Instagram TV (IGTV), YouTube, Vine, Snapchat, and more. On these platforms, you can share your educational content, interactive 360° videos, behind the scenes, testimonials, or company’s culture. However, if you are looking to film videos in real life (a.k.a non-animated videos), there are several things to take note of before you choose your filming location.
- Locations
If your shoot requires a different setting, you will most likely have to go to a few different locations to shoot the entire video. Thus, it is of importance to choose the locations which are easily accessible (especially if you need to set up the cameras and lightings) and to have a wet weather plan (if it is an outdoor shoot).
- Internal Environment
Filming in a cramped and tiny location is not the best idea. The equipment will take up a huge space, actors will not have a comfortable space to go over their lines, and crews might have to leave the area to make space for the shoot. With all of this added up, in addition to the humid weather, it may make the director stressed out, resulting in tension in the air.
Therefore, the chosen location(s) should be able to accommodate the actors and crews and be fully equipped with the necessary set-up (air conditioning, etc.).
Not only should the location be spacious enough, natural lighting is another important aspect of filming. Natural light is very much favoured by videographers, and photographers alike, instead of artificial light as it makes the actors look more natural and “healthier”.
- External Environment
Planning to shoot a part where the actor will be gazing out towards the windows? Be sure to take a look out of the window to ensure that it will fit into your video appropriately.
Outdoor shoots consist of many uncontrollable factors which makes it hard for videographers to shoot their ideal video. Three points to note when you are planning to shoot outdoors are: views, sound, and elements. When scouting the location, widen your eyes and perk up your ears to take note of what will eventually be filmed on camera. Always come up with a plan B should the weather elements not go in your favour.
- Nearby Amenities
When filming an outdoor shoot, you should find out the nearest restroom and changing rooms. These facilities will prevent any crews or actors from wasting their time having to travel a huge distance. Additionally, supplies stores and cafes are also beneficial should the crew find out that they forgot to bring out certain items or when anyone is hungry.
For those who are looking to shoot a neighbourhood, the stores nearby will also provide an excellent backdrop. One tip for those who will be filming a crime scene would be to inform the relevant authorities before the actual day so that they will not have to waste their manpower to send someone to catch the “criminal”.
- Power Sockets
Be it an indoor or outdoor shoot, electricity is a necessity for the equipment. Though the equipment can run on batteries, it will eventually run out at some point of time. As such, having the access to power sockets and the fuse box will prevent instances of being unable to run the equipment properly.
With these five essential things to consider before settling for the filming location(s), here are some quick tips which you should do beforehand.
- Scout the area
Check out the area at the time where you will most likely be using the location. It will allow you to plan out the scenes in your mind and to prepare for any possible problems. For instance, the colour of the interior lighting is not to your liking. By checking the area out, you will be able to get a lightbulb with the lighting that you want and fit it in before the shoot (and to place the original one back in after).
- Write notes and take pictures of the interior & external areas
These images and notes can be sent to those who were not present on the day of scouting – this will give them a better idea of how the filming day will run through.
- Book early
Once you have found your ideal location, it is time to coordinate with the owner and make a booking. Beware – some owners might hike up the price should they know that you need to use the location urgently.
Find your ideal filming location on GetSpaces now! Our booking fees are transparent and you can take a look at the interior space without having to make a trip down. Furthermore, most of the locations are easily accessible and have a good number of facilities.
