The Essential Guide to On-Location Filming

Filming on location—whether it’s a bustling office, a cozy cafe, or a sprawling park—offers a level of authenticity and visual richness that a studio can’t always replicate. However, it also comes with a unique set of challenges that require careful planning and an experienced hand. At Fade 2 Black Productions, we’ve mastered the art of on-location shoots. This guide provides an inside look at the essential stages of preparation, technical considerations, and on-set etiquette that ensure a seamless production.

Phase 1: Preparation is Everything

The success of any location shoot is determined long before the cameras start rolling. This initial phase is all about scouting and meticulous planning.

• Location Scouting: When we scout a location, we look at more than just the aesthetics. We're considering:

  • Sound: Is there local noise from traffic, construction, or a loud AC unit?

  • Lighting: What is the natural light like? Will we need to bring in supplemental lighting?

  • Logistics: Is there enough space for our crew and gear? Where will we park? Do we need to secure permits?

Client Preparation

If the location is a client’s office or property, there are a few things you can do to prepare. 

• Space and Accessibility: Ensure the filming area is clean and accessible for our crew and equipment. Please be aware that professional equipment, particularly for lighting and sound, requires a good amount of space.

• Update Your Team: It’s also a good idea to notify staff and guests in advance about the shoot and any areas that will be off-limits.

• Power and Connectivity: Please inform us of the power availability at the location and any internet connectivity options if streaming is required. 

• Quiet Environment: The success of the audio recording is dependent on a quiet environment. Please inform all on-site personnel and attendees that we are filming and ask for their cooperation in minimizing noise. This includes turning off air conditioning units, refrigerators, and silencing cell phones.

• Talent and Guest Coordination: Ensure all talent and guests are on time, are aware of the shooting schedule, and have prepared their talking points or scripts. This helps keep the production on schedule.

• Wardrobe: Please advise all on-screen talent to wear solid-colored clothing and avoid busy patterns, thin stripes, or logos that could be distracting on camera.

• Point Person: Please designate a single point of contact on your team who can answer our questions and make decisions on set. This person will act as the liaison between you and our crew.

• Clear the Set: Our floor manager will work with you to ensure the filming area is clear of all non-essential personnel during takes. This helps to minimize distractions and audio interference.

Phase 2: On-Site Etiquette and Best Practices

A production crew is a guest in any on-location setting, and respectful behavior is paramount. Our team adheres to a strict code of conduct to ensure a smooth and professional environment. We treat every location with the utmost care, protecting property and minimizing disruption. If we’re filming in a public space, we work to manage our footprint and avoid interfering with passersby.

For a smooth day, our crew will arrive with a plan but also with the flexibility to adapt. We can make small modifications to a space to enhance its visual appeal, whether it’s rearranging furniture or adding a prop. We can also use creative workarounds to solve unexpected issues, like using sound blankets to block out noise or setting up strategic lighting to overcome poor natural light.

Phase 3: On-Location Technical Considerations and Solutions

On-location shoots often present technical puzzles that require quick and creative solutions.

• Audio Challenges: The biggest hurdle on location is often sound. An experienced crew knows how to mitigate unwanted noise. We might use highly directional microphones to isolate a speaker’s voice and filter out background sounds. We can also schedule a shoot during a time of day when a location is quietest.

• Lighting & Power: Unlike a studio, we can’t control the sun. Our team brings a full lighting kit to supplement natural light, ensuring consistent exposure and a professional look.

• Acoustics: A large, empty room can create an echo. We can use sound-absorbing materials like drapes, acoustic blankets, or rugs to dampen reflections and produce clean audio. Another simple solution is placing sound-absorbing materials on the floor.

Filming on location can be a rewarding, yet challenging process. The authenticity and unique feel that a location brings to a production are invaluable, but they require a skilled and experienced team to handle the technical, logistical, and creative complexities.

Whether you need a custom commercial production that captures the unique essence of your brand’s location or prefer the streamlined efficiency of our in-studio production, we have the expertise and the gear to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about our production services.