videolifestyle

It's not easy choosing a good location to do some videos nowadays. With all the restrictions and the stigma against terrorism, a visual artist is often targeted by authorities or staff as potential threats due to either carrying a camcorder or some videography equipment.

Is there a way out?
Well, to summarize, all you really have to do is abide by the rules. If you have to declare that you have a camcorder in order to take some videos in a public place, please do so. Just remember that the camcorder is your personal property. No staff or authority should confiscate or “lock up” your camcorder or equipment for you. Such acts are non-permissible and it will be up to you to keep your own camcorder or equipment when faced with a situation that does not favour you using them in these premises. However, in public parks, zoos, beaches (with the exception of public swimming pools), these cases are rare and few between as they allow the use of camcorders.

Here are some tips and tricks on location scouting, this is useful when you are in the process of making your short film or documentary. There are lots of factors when it comes to choosing a location. Of course, being able to choose a location is considered a luxury as many times, we're stuck with little choice due to external circumstances (e.g. permits & approvals, availability, client's choice etc). But when you are able to choose a location, you have to consider the following factors :

Public or commercial place – This determines if you really have to submit any release forms and pay money just to be able to shoot video in that location. Always check with the relevant authorities to make sure.

Indoor / Outdoor – The colour temperature of the place, so as to prepare the necessary equipment.

Lighting – Is lighting adequate? Are there instances of mixed lighting? If outdoors, does backlighting cause an issue with the images you are trying to create? Try to take notice of the different lighting equipment in the area, the presence of sunlight and the casting of shadows when you next visit a location.

Audio – The environmental audio also plays a big role as even if you have the best microphones, an interview or some dialogue would not sound so great with unwanted environment sound. The best way of course, is to just be at the location and take note of what you are and can be listening to.

Environment – Are there factors that will hinder the process & quality of your work? (E.g. Passer-bys, cars, distracting posters, furniture etc) Find a spot where you would be able to bypass all these factors and still get the shot you want. Take good note of how far you would need to go to acquire a power source as it always helps to have one during a shoot.

Safety – This is one of the biggest priorities, the safety of yourself, your crew, your talents,and your equipment are paramount in any shoot. Check if there are any possible danger spots within a location and take note of them. Minimise the risk by setting “boundaries” when using these types of locations.

Knowledge: Know your script/storyboard, if you are going to shoot video at a location at 2pm, then scout the location at about 2pm. This will give you the best impression of the location at the time you will be making your shots.

Some locations in Singapore require you to seek permission before you are allowed to do some videography. In Singapore, obtaining such permissions goes smoothly usually. Most people/companies will allow you to shoot video on their premises so long as you are unobtrusive to either the business or the environment.

It is of great importance that you notify the relevant authorities, have the right budget (as some locations require you to pay a fee), and keep your paperwork in neat order.

It always helps to have that extra copy of the permit on set too. This will ensure that you have a proof of your permission on the location and you'd not get into any problems with staff or security.

If at all possible, use locations that do not need approval & permits. However, should there be a situation where you absolutely have to use that particular location that needs approvals & permits, here are some tips :

1) Ask your clients or sponsors to submit a letter of request for approval of the location alongside your own letter. This brings a more credible and unified response in asking for permission. In addition, inform the staff / owner of the location of the purpose of using that location. Owners of locations would most definitely like to see who is using their premises for video shooting as well as for what purpose too.

2) Show your cards on the table. Let the relevant authorities know in advance roughly what equipment you will be bringing along. (Studio lights, dollies, computers, cameras etc) Some places (such as Jurong Island) will require you to provide all details of your equipment including serial numbers. It is important that you let them know in advance so that you can get permission to use the equipment on location.

3) Time. Often an overlooked factor, you should always budget more time than needed on location. If you only need to use the premises for 3 hours, then ask for about 4 hours as a buffer for issues like moving in & out of the location.

4) Keep your administration clean and close to you. You'll need to have fast access to your permits & approval documents, if possible, get someone to take care of all these documents for you while you are on your shoot.

5) Always let the staff & security know your every step. Keep staff & security notified when you move in & out of a location, when you start adding or removing equipment and when you change a little of the décor to suit the look of the video. This helps a great deal as it avoids situations like “Oh no, you cannot change the layout of the tables. Move the tables back where they belong.”

Overall, a good location helps to boost the feel of the story/concept and emphasize the message you wish to project. Utilizing good locations of course goes hand in hand with good talent & good crew.

Cheers
Derek Yeo Aka VideoCobra & Alvin Ang Aka Supashooter