You’ve done your research, you’ve found a compelling script, and now you’re ready to start filming. But before you do, you need to decide where to shoot. That’s right—you can’t just pick a random spot and start rolling. You need to choose locations that will engage your audience and make your story come alive.
There are many things that can make a location feel right for a particular story: a certain kind of light, or an interesting location that speaks for itself without needing any props or costumes. But if you’re a newbie to filmmaking, it can be challenging to know how to find and select locations that will work best with your vision.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the things to consider when choosing the best locations for your short film.
Use your short film’s tone and mood as guides for choosing locations.
The first thing to do when choosing a location is to think about the tone and mood you would like your film to have. Lighthearted events require bright lighting or cheery décor, so look for a location with these characteristics. Choose a venue with dark lighting and somber décor if you want it to be more serious. Once you’ve decided on the tone you want, look for locations that reflect that feeling.
Consider using spaces that have been used before in other films or TV shows.
By choosing a location that has already been tested by actors, directors, and producers, you will save time and money. You can also get inspiration from other movies that have been shot at the same location as yours.
Use Google Maps’ satellite view to scout out locations.
Google Maps has a lot of helpful features, but one of our favorites is the satellite view. This feature allows you to look at your location from above and get a sense of what the terrain is like. You can zoom in and out, so it’s easy to see if there are any street signs or other landmarks that might make for an interesting shot.
Budget for real-world constraints to find creative solutions.
When you’re choosing locations for your short film, you need to consider all of the real-world constraints that will affect your production. You may already have a budget in mind, but if you don’t, try to come up with creative solutions you can come up with. For example, if you’re looking at locations in rural areas and want to film them during the winter, think about how much snow removal will cost. This might affect your choice of location.
Consider the noise factor.
When selecting locations for a short film, look for spaces that are free from outside noise. Try to choose a location that is quiet and away from traffic noises, people talking, and other potential distractions. If you can’t avoid these sounds altogether, try an online voice recorder to tape them separately so that they can be edited out if necessary.
Choose unique and memorable locations that bring your characters to life.
Every location in your film should reflect the story you’re trying to tell and bring your characters to life. If you’re filming a romance between a young woman and an older man, for example, you might want to consider a setting that’s both picturesque and grand—a beautiful house passed down through generations might fit the bill here. If it’s a comedy, you might want to choose locations that are both functional and amusing, such as a laundromat or a soup kitchen.
Find places with a personality (or at least props).
The most successful short films are the ones that feel like they could have been real but just happened to be in front of a camera. There is something about the feeling of authenticity that draws viewers in. So, when you are shopping for locations for your short film, think about places that already have personality—or at least props.
What makes an alleyway look distinct from a subway station? What makes a store unique from other stores? You can find these characteristics by visiting the location yourself or by looking at images and stock videos online. If you’re lucky, the location will be able to provide some of its own props as well.
Make it easy on yourself—no need for long treks!
If you have a short film that requires a lot of locations, remember that you don’t have to travel far to find them. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. It can be difficult and time-consuming to travel to new places, and it will likely slow down your production schedule. If you can find all the locations within walking distance of each other, you’ll save time, energy, and money.
Ending note
The right locations for your short film will be those that allow you to tell a memorable story. If you’re looking for a unique location or feel like you have a creative idea for a film, make sure it’s something that will make you stand out from the crowd. Find a location that helps your audience connect with the story and characters while also enhancing the overall mood of your film.
Chantelle Torres is a PR Outreach Specialist at VEED.IO. When she’s not working on growing her company’s visibility across mainstream media, you can find her watching films and TV series.
