LOCATION SCOUTING CHECKLIST — Untitled location Progress: 0/38 (0%) CREATIVE FIT [ ] Suits the film's genre, tone and narrative [ ] Supports the key emotional beats of the scenes set here [ ] Accurately represents the era or community depicted [ ] Has visual impact — elevates the film's look SCENE REQUIREMENTS [ ] Enough space for cast, crew and equipment [ ] Lighting can be controlled for the scenes planned [ ] Power sources available for equipment [ ] Acoustics suitable for clean sound recording ACCESS & LOGISTICS [ ] Accessible for crew and equipment [ ] Transport logistics work (vehicles, load-in, routes) [ ] Parking for crew and equipment vehicles [ ] Nearby amenities and accommodation [ ] Traffic patterns and noise restrictions checked INFRASTRUCTURE [ ] Power capacity confirmed for the full kit [ ] Phone/network connectivity for communication [ ] Catering and restroom facilities NATURAL LIGHT & WEATHER [ ] Sunrise and sunset times for the shoot dates [ ] Hours of usable daylight [ ] Seasonal weather trends and possible weather events [ ] Peak tourism periods avoided or planned for [ ] Backup dates in case of bad weather [ ] Equipment to protect cast, crew and kit from the elements [ ] Alternative indoor location for consistent lighting AESTHETIC VALUE [ ] Blend of man-made structures and natural landscape works for the frame [ ] Distinctive landmarks or unusual features noted [ ] Potential for magic-hour or silhouette shots COSTS & PERMISSIONS [ ] Location fees confirmed [ ] Permits identified (public and private locations) [ ] Local authorities contacted where required [ ] Detailed plans and timelines submitted [ ] Terms of use and restrictions negotiated [ ] Security for equipment and crew arranged [ ] Property damage deposit understood LOCAL IMPACT [ ] Plan to minimise disruption to residents and the environment [ ] Local filming regulations reviewed SECURING THE LOCATION [ ] Contract outlining terms of use and compensation [ ] Insurance requirements agreed for all parties [ ] Contingency plan for weather or last-minute location changes Planning aid only — not a substitute for location agreements, permits, risk assessments or professional safety checks.
Free Film & Video Tool · Planner & checklist
Location Scouting Checklist
An interactive location recce checklist — creative fit, access, power, light and weather, permissions and more — with progress, notes, print and text export.
Works on your phone on location — no account, no uploads. Ticks and notes save on this device; print or export a copy for the production file.
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Location
Progress0 of 38 checked (0%)
How it works
This interactive version of our location scouting checklist article turns its points into 38 checks across 9 sections, so you can work through a location on the day, note what you find and keep a record. Read the article for the reasoning behind each point.
What it covers
- Creative fit — 4 checks
- Scene requirements — 4 checks
- Access & logistics — 5 checks
- Infrastructure — 3 checks
- Natural light & weather — 7 checks
- Aesthetic value — 3 checks
- Costs & permissions — 7 checks
- Local impact — 2 checks
- Securing the location — 3 checks
How to use it
- Enter the location name (and optionally the address, date and site contact).
- Tick items as you confirm them; tap “Note” to record details such as power locations, parking or noise.
- Print or export a text copy for the production file, then clear it for the next location.
Limitations
- Not a substitute for location agreements, permits, insurance, risk assessments or professional safety checks.
- One location per browser at a time — export or print before starting the next.
FAQ
- Can I use it on my phone during a recce?
- Yes. It's designed for phone screens, with large tick targets and a note box per item. Your ticks and notes save on the device as you go, even without signing in.
- Is this a risk assessment or a location agreement?
- No. It's a planning aid. You still need the location agreement, permits, insurance and any risk assessments or safety checks your production and local rules require.
- Is it free to use?
- Yes. There's no signup or account, and everything runs in your browser.
- Where is my work saved? Is it private?
- Your draft is saved automatically in this browser's local storage on this device only. It is never uploaded to us or anyone else and is not put in the page address. Clearing your browser data or using a private window removes it, so print, save as PDF or export a copy you want to keep.
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