Location recce checklist for a smoother video shoot

Walk the intended schedule

Visit at a similar time of day to the planned shoot where possible. Follow the route from vehicle arrival to loading, holding, filming and departure. Note lifts, stairs, narrow doors, security procedures and the time required to move equipment.

Map each scene to a physical position and estimate reset time. A building may offer several attractive spaces that cannot all be reached within a practical production day.

Listen before you look

Pause and listen for traffic, aircraft, generators, air conditioning, lifts, crowds, construction and reverberation. Ask whether noise changes during the day. A quiet photograph tells you nothing about usable dialogue.

Confirm whether noisy systems can be paused and who has authority to do it. If sound cannot be controlled, decide whether the creative approach can avoid recorded speech or whether another space is needed.

Check light, power and connectivity

Observe the direction and movement of daylight and identify mixed colour sources, reflections and windows that may need control. Photograph reference angles with permission, but record when they were taken so the team does not assume the light is constant.

Locate safe power access and discuss load requirements with the appropriate technical people. Check mobile signal and internet only if the production genuinely depends on them; have a fallback for live demonstrations or remote approvals.

Resolve permissions and operations

Confirm the exact areas included in permission, permitted hours, branding restrictions, insurance requirements and rules for residents, customers or staff. Identify confidential or sensitive material that must be removed or obscured.

Ask how normal operations will continue around the crew. A working office, shop or factory may need phased access. Agree on a location contact who can solve practical issues during preparation and production.

Record a usable recce report

• Address, map pin, access contact and permitted hours.
• Loading route, parking, lifts, stairs and security.
• Scene positions, camera directions and light notes.
• Sound risks, power plan and operational restrictions.
• Holding, changing, toilets, meals and waste arrangements.
• Safety concerns, weather cover and backup options.

Share the report with the relevant department leads and update the shot plan and schedule. The value of a recce comes from decisions made afterwards, not from collecting a large folder of location photographs.