What to Look for When Scouting Video Locations: A Guide for Decision Makers

When it comes to creating high-quality video content, the location plays a pivotal role in setting the tone and enhancing the storytelling process. Whether you’re producing a commercial, an interview, or a promotional video, choosing the right location can make or break the production. As an experienced videographer or photographer, you understand the importance of every detail in the production process, and location scouting is no exception.

In this article, we’ll explore the essential factors to consider when scouting video locations, and how St Louis Locations, a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, can ensure that your next production is a success.

1. Space and Layout
The size and layout of the location directly impact your ability to capture the shots you need. For instance, when filming interviews, you need to consider the space for the crew, equipment, and lighting setups. A spacious location with room for movement is essential for flexibility, particularly if you need to adjust camera angles or incorporate props into the scene.

At St Louis Locations, we offer a private studio that is perfectly suited for small productions and interview scenes. Our studio is large enough to accommodate various setups, including props, backdrops, and special lighting arrangements. The flexibility of our space ensures that we can create the ideal environment for your production needs.

2. Lighting Considerations
Good lighting is crucial to any video production, and the natural light of a location can either enhance or hinder the visual quality of your footage. When scouting locations, always assess how much natural light enters the space and how you can complement it with artificial lighting.

At St Louis Locations, we offer custom lighting setups in our private studio that cater to different styles of shoots. Whether you need soft, diffused lighting for a corporate video or more dramatic lighting for a creative shoot, our studio can accommodate your needs with precision. Our expert crew is experienced in making the best use of both natural and artificial light to achieve the desired effect.

3. Acoustic Properties
Sound quality is just as important as visual quality in video production. When filming interviews or any content with spoken words, you want to ensure that the location has minimal background noise. Locations with echo or unwanted reverberation can cause post-production headaches and detract from the overall quality of the video.

Our private studio at St Louis Locations is designed to provide optimal acoustics for small productions. We ensure that our environment is soundproofed to eliminate distractions, and we have a professional sound team to assist with any specific audio requirements you might have.

4. Ambiance and Aesthetics
The ambiance of a location directly influences the mood of your video. Whether you’re shooting in a corporate office, an industrial warehouse, or a cozy café, the location must align with the brand’s messaging and the tone of the video. Always consider the background elements and how they contribute to the overall aesthetic.

St Louis Locations excels in repurposing photography and video branding, ensuring that the locations we select complement the visual identity of your brand. From clean, minimalistic setups to more elaborate themed environments, we can tailor the atmosphere to fit your project’s needs. Our team is highly skilled in transforming ordinary spaces into visually compelling settings that enhance the overall production.

5. Accessibility and Logistics
Location accessibility is another important consideration when scouting for video production. Is the location easy to access for your crew, equipment, and talent? Are there power outlets, and does the location have internet connectivity if needed? Ensure that you consider parking, permits, and potential restrictions that might complicate the shoot.

St Louis Locations offers full-service production support, including location permits, access to our vast library of suitable locations, and assistance with all logistical needs. Our experienced location scouts handle everything from acquiring permits to coordinating security and police services, ensuring that your production runs smoothly from start to finish.

6. Indoor Drone Accessibility
A growing trend in modern video production is the use of drones for aerial shots, even indoors. Drones can add a cinematic flair to your video by capturing sweeping, dynamic shots that would otherwise be impossible to obtain. However, not all locations are suitable for drone flights, and you need a space with the right size and clearance.

At St Louis Locations, we have specialized drones that can fly indoors, allowing us to capture stunning aerial shots within confined spaces. This ability opens up creative possibilities for your production that were once limited to outdoor shoots.

7. Budget and Time Constraints
Lastly, the cost and timing of the location are crucial factors in the decision-making process. A well-scouted location can help keep your budget in check by reducing the need for expensive post-production fixes. It can also help save time during the shoot by providing the right environment for the task at hand.

At St Louis Locations, we understand the importance of balancing quality and budget. Our experienced team provides cost-effective solutions without compromising on the creativity and quality of your production. From pre-production to final edits, we ensure that every aspect of your video production is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why Choose St Louis Locations?
When it comes to successful video and photography productions, experience matters. St Louis Locations is a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company with extensive experience in working with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies across the St. Louis area since 1982. We are equipped with the right tools and a creative crew to handle all aspects of your production needs.

We specialize in full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Our studio’s private lighting and visual setup make it perfect for small productions and interviews, while our team is ready to assist with everything from custom interview setups to sound and camera operations. Additionally, we are well-versed in various file types, media styles, and software, ensuring that your production is captured and delivered in the highest quality.

Whether you need a location for a corporate shoot, a drone for aerial footage, or a customized production to elevate your brand’s image, St Louis Locations has the experience and equipment to make it happen. Let us help you achieve your vision and make your next video production a success.
stlouislocations@gmail.com
Studio 314-892-1233
Cell 314-913-5626