5 steps to finding the perfect location for your video shoot

1. Choose a location after your script is finalized

Your script is the blueprint for your video, and it's important to get it right before you start filming. The last thing you want is for your video to fall flat because you decided to film it in the wrong location or didn't go through the planning process thoroughly enough. You should spend time talking to your creative team and outlining everything you need to accomplish in the video. Then, you can figure out the best locations for each section you're planning to include in your video.



2. Emulate from inspiration

Gather inspiration from competitors or past videos that you've liked. This will allow you to categorize what style of shooting you want to mimic when creating your video. Keep in mind that you want your video to be unique, so try to stay true to your brand while looking at your competitors' videos for inspiration. Make sure to brainstorm different locations and which key camera shots you want to include in your script before you decide on a location. If you're finding it hard to source high-quality inspiration, then check out Flashfeed's Showcase.



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Showcase is a directory tool that has hand-picked inspiration and allows you to directly order. You can even filter by industry, genre, and style. Videos can be saved for later reference as well so you can continually iterate on your style.



3. Make sure the you know your logistics.

There are lots of ways for a shooting location to be ruined without proper logistics. Poor sound or lighting can require specialized equipment, or else make shooting a professional-looking video nearly impossible. Areas with distractions or changing conditions can easily make shooting cost more and lead to avoidable mistakes.



Timing can be quite important. For example, ask yourself:



• Is it quiet now? If not will it improve in an hour? Will it get worse?
• Is our lighting entirely dependent on sunlight? Will the temperature of the light change within the shoot's schedule?
• Will traffic impede the schedule of the shoot?

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4. Pick a flexible location that will allow you to shoot in several different ways.

A flexible location is a must-have for any videographer because it allows them to change up their shot list depending on the weather and what's going on around them. If you've chosen the right location, you'll be able to film your video in all kinds of conditions and even recreate some scenes at a later date if a particular shot didn't work out as planned the first time around. Plus your video will be more dynamic if you can incorporate multiple vantage points and scenes, like close, mid, and wide shots.



5. If you're on a tight budget, go to friends and family first.

Securing a good shooting location can prove difficult without specific prior knowledge. Ask family and friends for any opportunities to use a shooting location for free or at a reduced price. They may have some contacts they don't have time to use, or they might be able to lend you some equipment you'll need to make a quality video.  Also, since a low budget usually means less planning, family and friends might share enthusiasm for your project and give you input some improvement to make your shots more compelling.