Tips for Shooting on location

Weather The weather will definitely have an impact if your location is outside. If it's too windy, you'll have trouble with sound, if it's too sunny, you might get more light than you want or you might have presenters who squint. If it rains too much, you simply can't shoot. Always have a backup plan and check the weather 48 hours in advance! Permissions No matter where or what you are shooting, you will require some type of permission. Ensure that you have removed all the land and structures that will feature in your pictures. Sun Position Check where the sun will be at the time of the scheduled shoot if you're shooting outside (you can actually get an app for this that makes it easier). Low sun can provide you with harsh, flat light, and noon sun won't do interview subjects or presenters any favors because of the unsightly downward shadows it casts Facilities/Toilets/Food Remember that the crew needs to eat and use the restroom occasionally when arranging your production. make sure to feed your crew regularly. Crews who are fatigued and hungry make blunders! First Aid Accidents do occur, so if you plan to shoot in a remote location, make sure you have a good first aid kit and a professional first aider on hand. Transport/Parking Check if everyone will be able to get to the location with a transport and also if there's a safe parking.

Scout for safety Finding out how to protect your equipment is a benefit of doing advance reconnaissance at a potential location. Even a small amount of moisture can damage a camera's internal mechanisms since camera technology is susceptible to it. Maximize your time Having a plan reduces the amount of time you have to waste chasing issues. When shooting on location, time is literally money because you are likely paying by the hour or for a certain time window. You can avoid wasting time wondering which scene to shoot next by planning your shoots in accordance with the time allotted.

Here are some of the location scouting pictures we did in Hammanskraal

And this were the final product