Location scouting can make or break a video, as I have personally experienced. Finding the ideal setting for filming is essential if you want to produce content that appeals to your audience. I’ll provide my best advice for finding places for vloggers in this post, covering everything from web research to in-person site visits.
1. Defining Your Brand and Content Style
Defining your brand and content style comes before site scouting. What makes you stand out from other vloggers and facilitates communication with your audience is your brand. It encompasses your niche, values, and personality. The shape and tenor of your films reflect your content style. Are you funny, enlightening, or inspirational?
You’ll have a better understanding of the types of locales that will work best for your films once you’ve established your brand and content style. If you’re a travel vlogger, for instance, you might be searching for picturesque areas with magnificent vistas. You might require a well-lit kitchen with a large countertop if you’re a food vlogger.
2. Researching Online
It’s time to begin your online research when you’ve established your brand and content style. The internet is a wealth of knowledge, and there are many tools at your disposal to assist you in selecting the ideal setting for your vlog.
Google Maps, Instagram, and Pinterest are some of the best tools for location research. Google Maps is excellent for locating a specific spot and getting a sense of the neighbourhood. For obtaining ideas and gaining a feel for a place, Instagram and Pinterest are excellent resources.
Save any places that grab your eye while using these resources. When you’re prepared to start visiting places in person, you can make a list of suitable destinations and refer to it later.
3. Visiting Locations in Person
It’s time to start physically visiting the potential venues you’ve selected from your list. Here, you can get a feel for the atmosphere, lighting, and general feeling of the place.
It’s crucial to pack a few essential goods when traveling to new places. A friend or family member can assist you acquire a second opinion, as well as a camera or smartphone to take pictures and videos, a journal to record any observations and a notebook.
Be sure to note any potential difficulties or hurdles when visiting a place. For instance, if you plan to film outside, you must take the weather and potential noise pollution from passing cars into account. When filming indoors, you must take the room’s lighting and acoustics into account.
4. Obtaining Permits and Permissions
It’s crucial to secure all relevant licences and approvals before filming somewhere. This entails gaining consent from the landowner in addition to any required permits from the local authorities.
As you apply for permits and licenses, make sure you have all the required documentation prepared. This covers any agreements or contracts you could have with the landowner or the local government.
5. Considering Logistics and Budget
It’s important to take finance and logistics into account during location scouting. This covers elements like travel, hotel, and equipment rental.
You must take into account the logistics of relocating your equipment from one spot to another if you intend to film in several different locations. If you intend to stay overnight somewhere, you’ll also need to take into account the expense of lodging. Additionally, you should account for any additional equipment you might require, such as lighting or sound equipment, in your budget.
When location exploring, it’s critical to be realistic about your spending plan. You don’t want to end up spending more money on a location than you can afford and have it turn out poorly.
6. Staying Safe and Respectful
Finally, it’s essential to use caution and respect during location scouting. This includes being considerate of other people’s property and abiding by any rules or guidelines that may be in place.
Be sure to secure all essential permits and abide by any rules or restrictions if you’re recording in a public area. And if you’re shooting in a private area, make sure to get the owner’s permission and abide by any guidelines they may have in place.
While location scouting, it’s also critical to maintain your safety. For safety, this entails going with a friend or family member and being mindful of your surroundings and any potential dangers.
Conclusion
A key component of vlogging is location scouting. You can choose the ideal place for your vlogs by deciding on your brand and content style, doing internet research, visiting potential locations in person, getting permissions, taking logistics and budget into account, and being safe and respectfully. Enjoy your site-seeking!
