What to Look for When Scouting Locations for Your Marketing Video: A Producer’s Field Guide

As seasoned visual storytellers at St Louis Locations, we know that crafting a compelling marketing video goes far beyond writing a strong script or setting up the right camera angles. A powerful visual story depends heavily on the environment in which it unfolds. Location scouting isn’t about simply finding a visually appealing backdrop—it’s a strategic process that directly influences production efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the overall quality of your final deliverable.

For decision-makers in photography, marketing, and video production, understanding what to look for when selecting locations is critical. The right scouting decisions elevate your production value while minimizing risks, delays, and unexpected costs. Below, we outline the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect location for your next marketing video.

1. Story Alignment and Brand Consistency

Every location you select should authentically reflect your brand identity and reinforce your video’s narrative. Ask yourself:

Does the aesthetic align with your brand’s tone, values, and audience expectations?

Does the environment naturally support the message you want to deliver?

Would this location still “read” your brand even on mute?

For example, a modern, glass-paneled office space may be ideal for a tech startup showcasing innovation, while a heritage brand might need a more classic or rustic setting to match its values. Always let your story dictate your location—not the other way around.

2. Practical Considerations: Logistics and Permitting

Beyond looks, a location’s practicality can make or break your production. A stunning space that’s impossible to work in will derail timelines and increase costs. Key considerations include:

Accessibility: Is there easy entry for your crew, talent, and equipment? Are there elevators, loading docks, or parking for production trucks?

Power Availability: Are there reliable circuits for lighting, cameras, and sound equipment? Lack of power planning leads to costly downtime.

Sound Control: Is the environment quiet enough for clean dialogue? Check for HVAC hum, street noise, construction, or nearby PA systems.

Space Planning: Does the layout accommodate cameras, lighting rigs, sound gear, and staging areas without feeling cramped?

Permits and Permissions: Some locations require municipal permits, COIs (Certificates of Insurance), or special filming approvals. Securing these in advance prevents unexpected shutdowns.

3. Visual Dynamics and Compositional Opportunities

A skilled videographer sees beyond the obvious backdrop. When scouting, evaluate:

Natural Light: Assess quality, direction, and consistency of light throughout your scheduled shoot. Consider whether you need diffusion, blackout options, or supplemental key lighting.

Depth and Separation: Look for areas that create visual interest without crowding your subject against the background.

Angles and Perspectives: Explore verticals, diagonals, elevated viewpoints, and movement corridors for dynamic storytelling.

Flexibility: Prioritize locations that allow quick scene changes or can be reconfigured for multiple looks without expensive resets.

4. Sound: The Silent Deal-Breaker

Even stunning visuals fail without clean audio. Always test for:

Ambient Noise: Evaluate traffic, HVAC systems, crowd chatter, and mechanical hums.

Reverb Control: Rooms with hard floors and glass walls often require additional sound blankets or portable dampening panels.

Isolation Zones: Quiet rooms for talent prep, voiceovers, and wardrobe staging improve efficiency and comfort.

5. Safety, Security, and Compliance

Your crew, talent, and equipment must be protected:

On-Site Hazards: Watch for uneven surfaces, narrow walkways, or blocked emergency exits.

Security: Confirm building access controls, secure storage for gear, and appropriate site escorts if needed.

Insurance: Most professional locations require a COI and a signed location agreement—plan ahead to avoid delays.

6. Cost-Effectiveness and Value

Locations can consume a significant portion of your budget. Factor in:

Rental fees and security deposits

Required permits and insurance

Extra utility costs for lighting or HVAC

After-hours access fees

Balance aesthetics with production efficiency. Sometimes a slightly less “perfect” location saves thousands without compromising brand impact.

7. Indoor & Outdoor Drone Opportunities

Drone cinematography elevates production value, but requires careful planning:

Indoor Flying: Small, cinewhoop-style drones capture dynamic office reveals and seamless transitions between rooms.

Permissions: Always secure property-owner consent and coordinate safe airspace within the location.

Continuity: Match drone color profiles and shutter speeds with ground-based footage for seamless edits.

8. Tech Scout Checklist (Don’t Arrive Without This)

Before finalizing a location, always conduct a tech scout:

Test light levels and color temperature with a meter or test clip.

Record short audio samples to catch ambient noise issues.

Map power circuits and label high-draw outlets.

Take photos of load-in paths, staging zones, and ceiling rigging options.

Verify access times, parking logistics, and security protocols.

9. Red Flags and Quick Fixes

Mixed lighting temperatures → Use gels or balance key lights for consistency.

Reflections on glass or polished tables → Adjust angles, use polarizers, or add diffusion.

No visual depth → Shoot diagonally into corners, add practical lights, or create separation with edge lighting.

Overcrowded set → Move staging zones off-camera and repurpose adjoining rooms.

Why Businesses Choose St Louis Locations

At St Louis Locations, we understand that successful productions depend on seamless integration of creative vision and logistical expertise. Since 1982, we’ve partnered with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area, helping them plan, scout, and execute marketing videos that deliver measurable impact.

We are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, providing:

Studio & Location Services: Full-service video and photography, editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots (including specialized indoor drone operations).

Custom Productions: Tailored solutions for diverse media deliverables—broadcast, social, corporate, and trade shows.

Content Repurposing: Maximize ROI by adapting your photography and video branding across multiple platforms.

Technical Expertise: Proficiency in all file types, formats, and editing workflows using industry-leading software and AI-powered enhancements.

Studio Advantages: A private studio with professional lighting setups, modular staging, and space for props and set builds.

Complete Production Support: From custom interview studio setups to sound engineering, camera operation, and equipment sourcing, we manage every detail.

By combining strategic location scouting with cutting-edge production capabilities, we ensure your marketing video looks exceptional, performs effectively, and is delivered on time and on budget.

Haller Concepts, Inc.
Mike Haller
4501 Mattis Road
St. Louis, MO 63128
stlouislocations@gmail.com
Cell 314-913-5626

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