How To Choose The Ideal Video Shooting Location

No matter the message you’re trying to convey, the right shooting location is vital to getting the message across in a video. There are plenty of examples in film, where a team is sent out to find the perfect location for an iconic moment in a movie – but if you’re not an expert, how do you go about determining the right video location for your own project?

There are a few key things to consider when choosing a location for shooting a video, and while you of course need to keep your topic in mind, choosing the right shooting location boils down to a few steps.

Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in video production and is one of the best ways to create a sense of mood. Natural lighting, particularly light that is softened by a bright yet overcast day, is a great option (it mimics softboxes which are used in photography and film), whilst bright direct sunlight can be rather harsh. It’s also important to scout your location at the right time of day, as this ensures that the lighting conditions are similar to what they will actually be during filming. 

When filming indoors, it’s best to have an even light source that does not create harsh shadow, particularly in a professional setting. This means you will want to avoid filming your actor in front of a window for instance, but you can use the natural light coming through the window to provide softer light.

Background

The background of your video is a vital part of your set. While an elaborate background can be a great addition to a more dramatic film-esque video, for something like a training video, you should lean into a simpler background. In this case, you want people to focus on you and your message, so it’s best to keep the video simple and clean and maintain a consistently professional look.

Sound

Sound should not be too much of an issue if you are filming indoors, particularly if you have a sound-proofed room, but there are some spaces you will still want to avoid when filming indoors. Large, empty spaces with hard surfaces will create too much reverb, for instance. Blankets, pillows and foam can help to dampen sound. Also be aware of your surroundings even in a controlled environment – external sounds, such as alarms and car horns, can easily ruin a shot.

If filming outdoors, you should avoid shooting in locations with a lot of background noise, such as busy streets or construction sites.

Accessibility

Choosing a shooting location should also take into account accessibility, particularly if it’s a multi-day shoot and you need to keep your team comfortable. Make sure the location is easily accessible and has the necessary facilities, such as restrooms and, if required, electricity. Accessibility is also important as you will likely be carrying a lot of gear for your shoot, so parking for vehicles is a must, as well as terrain that is not too rough.

Permissions

If you are shooting on private property, make sure you have the necessary permissions to do so. Not only will this help you to avoid any legal issues, but it will help the workflow of your filming process. You don’t want to be mid-way into a shoot and have somebody complain and force your team to move along. To film anywhere in public, you will of course need the correct permit. 

Overall, it’s important to choose a location that will help you tell the story you want to tell and create the right mood for your video. For all of your video needs, get in touch with our team today and find out how we can help you produce the best video for your business.