Location Recce in Delhi for Film and Video Production: Tips to Remember
In a country like India, especially in a city like Delhi, where one can get as many as 100s of location options for filming and video production. The main question that can bug a film director and the production manager is what is to be done in these kinds of situations?
So here, we will be discussing a few points that are important to keep in mind while doing location recce in Delhi for Films and Video Production.
1. Follow the film storyline and analyze the aesthetic of the location accordingly. The film location should be able to match the soul of the script and also should be as per the director’s vision.
2. Visualize the shots: Try to imagine the scene and what the camera will see when tech scouting locations.
3. Look for the proper space. Make sure there should be enough space to set up all your filming gear.
4. Consider the sound and make sure there is not much of unwanted noise that can harm the film production.
5. Lookout for surroundings and keep a close eye on all the environmental factors.
So today as a group we went around Liverpool City Centre finding location ideas for some of our music videos or maybe for a re-creation of a scene or a short film.
Location Recce
Location 4: Cemetery
Location: Southampton Old Cemetery
Address: Cemetery Rd, Southampton SO15 7NN
The aim for this shoot was to try and contain as much of the shooting within the same areas as possible where appropriate. The shooting locations were all within Southampton, including the cemetery. The cemetery offers what is needed for the shot. Both areas with heavy grassland, and more clean and concise areas depending on the director’s choice of shot.
Potential dangers and hazards:
- Heavy Grassland
- Debris
When walking around on set, it is crucial for the crew to remember that graveyards will have overgrown plants and trees around the surrounding areas. It is important for the crew to check for any potential tripping hazards with both the debris and surrounding grassland and then immediately make it aware to the rest of the crew on set. Highlighting these potentially dangerous areas, although seemingly minimal, will ensure that the crew is kept safe during filming.
Location Recce
Location 3: Pub
Location: The Hobbit Pub
Address: 134 Bevois Valley Rd, Southampton SO14 0JZ
Location 3 (Alternative): Bar
Location: Orange Rooms
Address: 1-2 Vernon Walk, Southampton SO15 2EJ
Both venues could potentially be appropriate for the production. I have supplied two separate locations, both with different dynamics and atmospheres. The first is The Hobbit Pub located in Southampton. This pub is more run down and a traditional English pub rather than a modern day club. This could be used to create the unsettling atmosphere if needed to.
The second option is The Orange Rooms, also located in Southampton. This is a more modern club which could be better adjusted if the scene were to take a more modern feel depending on the director’s decisions.
Potential hazards and dangers:
- Steep stairs
- chairs
When in a pub or bar, one thing that is almost universal is the amount of chairs. With equipment being abundant with the crew, it is important to ensure that chairs are to be kept out of the way when not in shot. These are tripping hazards and if not dealt with appropriately, could cause someone on set harm.
The Hobbit pub also has exceptionally steep stairs. This will need to be briefed to the crew to ensure they take extra precautions when travelling down these stairs.
Location Recce
Location 2: Car Park
Location: Southampton
Address:
W Quay Rd, Southampton SO15 1QF
Whilst trying to contain the shoot to a somewhat close proximity, the Southampton West Quay multi storey car park provides the perfect visuals for a car park scene. With a host of differing levels, we will have the option of the top of the car park or an inside car park depending on weather etc.
Potential hazards and dangers:
- Heights
- Potential slippery surface when wet
- Tripping hazards
When observing the car park for potential threats, although they may be trivial, they can have serious consequences if health and safety precautions are not followed correctly. When on set, it must be ensured no member of the crew is leaning on the barriers in case of falling from the top of the building.
As the image shows, the top of the car park can be subject to weather conditions. If the surface happens to be wet, you must ensure to wear correct footwear and be extra cautious of where you walk. Car parks are quite renowned for having various solid pieces of brickwork / lampposts etc. When on set, ensure the tripping hazards are pointed out to the cast and crew if there happens to be any, as well as potentially securing off areas if necessary.
Potential Locations. Description. Is it suitable (Think about genre, narrative and research that you have undertaken? How’s and whys.) Access Issues. Lighting Issues. Sound Issues.
Grays beach riverside park
- There is a beach and a park for all the summery and greenery shots we need.
When it’s not too bright, and quite dark but still easy to see it would be well suited for them to hide in the shadows, chasing through the forests, finding clues. Hide evidence. It would be best to film when it’s just starting to get dark to build tension, make the audience gain suspense from what could be hiding.
There are always children at this area, no parents are nearby, so we would have to make sure they’re not in shot.
Open 9am until 4pm.
Natural lighting, and it may be quite windy or raining. So we would have to check the weather forecast.
Home or shot of using computers at college – for all the scenes where we show the hacking taking place/after mass. It would be suitable as our series is based online. Ask permission to film, make sure no one who doesn’t want to be in the shot are filmed. Use the computers to show the hacking. The college would only be available during weekdays, and we would have to make plans to film at someone’s house. We would have to make sure the cameras can detect the lightbulbs we have at home/college without orangey coloured film. With sound, there would always be people about and it would be hard to have a free house/free room at the college.
Alleyway near Grays Library - It would be suitable for when we want to film the gangs (we make). We would have to make permission sheets, ask or notify businesses nearby.make sure it’s clear, without cars driving through it or people walking by in shot. Natural lighting. Noisy traffic or weather issues.
Grays, police station - We could ask them about the latest crimes that have been happening to gain inspiration for what we would want on the series, do ask if we’re allowed to film any prison cells. Take care to not waste their time.
Open 8am-midnight every day.
Natural, probably creamy lighting. People talking, traffic, weather issues or machines inside.
Grays,Thameside Library, museum and theatre - Use for any research we may want to take on past crime thriller books or dvds. We could also use the museum for any specialised shots.
Monday-Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 – 19:00
Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday Closed
Natural or creamy lighting.
People, machines, traffic or weather.
