logo

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

LOCATION SCOUTING

Why do I need a Location Scout?

A location scout can help you find the perfect location for your production, which can help play a key role in bringing your story and vision to life. Their work can create a more authentic and engaging experience for your audience and can also provide a unique and visually interesting settings for your production. A good location scout can help with logistics, such as providing access to necessary facilities, and by doing the basic legwork of finding and evaluating potential locations. In addition, a location scout can provide valuable insights and expertise on how to use the location effectively, as well as help to negotiate with property owners and coordinating those logistics.
Overall, a location scout can help ensure that your production runs smoothly and successfully. A good scout makes it their priority to learn about vast location options for their clients, and often times they provide filmmakers with places that aren't easily found or maybe never knew existed. Most importantly, they save time and money by helping to identify and avoid costly location related obstacles or problems before they occur.

What does a Location Scout do?

A location scout is a person who searches for and evaluates locations that are suitable for use in film, television, photography or event productions. They typically maintain a database of location photographs and other materials for reference that provide for future use in identifying better choices for locations to film. They are responsible for finding locations that fit the specific requirements of the production, and they negotiate with property owners to secure permission to use the location. They may also be involved in coordinating logistics, such as permitting, or arranging for access to the location and coordinating with local authorities. In addition, location scouts may provide guidance on how to best utilize the location for the production. Overall, a good location scout provides expertise and support to help ensure that the production is able to find and utilize the right location for the story and vision of the production.

What is location scouting?

Location scouting is the professional process of researching, identifying, photographing, and evaluating real-world environments for use in film, television, commercial, photography, and event productions. A location scout assesses candidate sites for their visual suitability, logistical accessibility, permit requirements, lighting conditions, and overall fitness for a production's creative vision.

How much do location scouts typically charge for their services?

The amount that location scouts charge for their services varies depending on a number of factors, such as their experience, the complexity of the production or location as well as the demand for a particular scout's level of expertise. Location scouts may charge an hourly rate, a daily rate, or a flat fee for their services. In general, experienced location scouts with a proven track record may charge higher rates than those who are new to the industry. The cost of location scouting services can also be affected by the location, as scouting and coordinating in remote or challenging locations may require additional time and effort. It is important to discuss and negotiate the terms and fees with the location scout before hiring them for your production. Be sure to consider things such as mileage, meals, daily parking while scouting, or their kit fees as a part of their costs as well.

What is a tech scout or location recce?

A tech scout or location recce is a part of the pre-production process when a location scout and key crew members such as the Director, Producer, Creative Director, DP, Gaffer, Production Designer, and other department heads visit a potential location together to assess its overall suitability for the use of a particular location in a film, television, or photography production. The purpose of a tech scout is to gather information about the location, such as its dimensions for blocking shots, as other more technical details such as; lighting conditions, staging, visual and audio challenges, and other potential limitations a location might reveal. This information is used to determine if the location is suitable for the production and to plan how it will be used, where equipment might be stored, if electricity is adequate, sufficient restrooms for the crew, if security is needed, or even where crew and trucks might park, among many other details. A tech scout may also involve taking photographs or video footage of the location to record its present status and condition, as well as coordinating with property owners to make certain there are no issues with neighbors or Homeowner Associations.

FILM PERMITTING

What is a film permit?

A film permit is an official authorization issued by a governing jurisdiction; a city, county, state agency, or national park  granting a production company permission to film at a specific location within that jurisdiction. Film permits typically specify the dates, times, and areas covered, and may impose conditions related to parking, noise, crowd control, and insurance requirements. Film permits differ with each jurisdiction, whether city, county, state, federal lands, or parks and open space. It's always best to hire a professional to manage your permitting to avoid costly mistakes of the permitting process. Mr. Location Scout offers permitting services and has vast experience permitting locations throughout various jurisdictions. We understand the complexities with each region of California and can help you to avoid any expensive errors.

When do I need a film permit?

A film permit is a document that grants permission to film at a specific location. In most cases, a film permit is required if you plan to film at a public location, such as a park, beach, or city street. It may also be required if you plan to film on private property, such as a business or residential property. The requirements for obtaining a film permit vary depending on the location, jurisdiction, and the type of filming activity. In general, you will need to submit an application and provide information about the production, such as the date, time, and purpose of the filming, as well as details about the location and any special requirements. The permitting agency will review the application and determine whether to grant the permit and what conditions, if any, should be attached to it.

How much does a film permit cost?

The cost of a filming permit generally varies depending on a number of factors, such as the location, the duration of the shoot, and the type of filming activity. In general, filming permits for public locations are relatively inexpensive and may cost only a few hundred dollars, and some jurisdictions may not charge a fee at all. However, the cost can increase significantly for more complex productions or for locations that require additional coordination or support. For example, a permit to film on a city street may cost several thousand dollars, while a permit to film in a national park may only cost a few hundred dollars per day, but may require more lead time to approve. In addition, almost all locations will require the production to provide insurance or other costs as part of the permitting process. It is important to carefully research and budget for filming permit costs as part of your overall production plan.

Do I need a Film Permit on private property?

In most cases, a film permit is not required to film on private property. However, you will need to obtain the permission of the property owner or manager in order to access the property and conduct your filming activity. It is important to communicate with the property owner or manager and explain your plans in detail, as well as address any concerns they may have. In some cases, the property owner or manager may require you to sign a Location Release of Liability, or a Location Agreement as a condition of granting permission to film on their property. It is also important to respect the property and follow any rules or guidelines set by the owner or manager. Overall, it is always best to be upfront and transparent about your plans when seeking permission to film on private property.

How long does it take to get a Film Permit?

The amount of time it takes to obtain a film permit varies depending on a number of factors, such as the location, the complexity of the production, and the permitting agency's processes and procedures. In general, it is best to allow for plenty of time to obtain a film permit, as the process can take several weeks or even months in some cases. It is important to research the permitting requirements for your location and to carefully complete and submit your application as soon as possible. You may also need to provide additional information or documentation, such as proof of insurance or a filming plan, as part of the permitting process. It is also a good idea to communicate with the permitting agency and stay in touch throughout the process to ensure that your application is being reviewed and processed in a timely manner. If you are inexperienced with permitting, it may be a. good idea to hire a professional Location Manager or Permitting Service to mange this process to help avoid costly mistakes.

LOCATION MANAGING

What is a Location Manager's role in film production?

A location manager is a production professional responsible for all logistical and administrative aspects of a film or commercial shoot at a real-world location. This includes scouting and securing suitable locations, providing permitting options, negotiating with property owners and local authorities, coordinating access, location site maps, managing crew logistics, ensuring property compliance, managing logistics such as transportation, security, crowd control, restrooms, as well as trash and recycling pickups. A Location Manager is the first on set, and last to leave, and when the production is complete, they oversee the restoration of the location to it's original condition. In addition, the location manager may be involved in scouting potential locations and providing guidance on how to best utilize each location for the production. Overall, the location manager plays a key role in ensuring that the location shoot runs smoothly and successfully.

What is the Location Manager in charge of when filming on location?

  • Obtaining the necessary permits or licenses to film at the location
  • Coordinating with property owners and local authorities
  • Helping to mediate neighbor disputes to filming
  • Arranging for access to the location and necessary facilities, such as restrooms and power
  • Managing transportation and accommodations for cast and crew
  • Ensuring that the production complies with any regulations or laws related to the use of the location
  • Managing safety and emergency procedures
  • Ensuring that the location is left clean and undamaged after the shoot.
  • Overall, it is important to carefully plan and coordinate the logistics of a location shoot to ensure that the production runs smoothly and successfully.

How Does a Location Manager differ from a Location Scout?

A location manager and a location scout are two different roles in the entertainment industry, although they may sometimes work together on a production, or they may be one in the same person depending on your location needs and budget.  A location scout is responsible for finding and evaluating potential locations for a film, television, or photography production. They are typically involved in the early stages of pre-production and may visit potential locations in person to assess their suitability. In contrast, a location manager is responsible for managing all aspects of a production's location shoot. They are typically involved in later stages of pre-production and are responsible for coordinating with property owners and local authorities, managing logistics, and ensuring that the production complies with all regulations and laws related to the use of the location. Overall, a location scout focuses on finding and evaluating locations, while a location manager focuses on managing the location shoot and finer details of the production.

CALIFORNIA FILM LOCATIONS

What makes California such a popular state for film and commercial productions?

California's appeal to the production industry stems from an unparalleled combination of geographic diversity, infrastructure, and institutional support. Within a single state, productions have access to coastlines, deserts, alpine forests, urban centers, farmland, and internationally recognized architectural landmarks. California also benefits from established film office networks, a deep pool of experienced local crew, and a long history of production-friendly jurisdictions. The California Film & Television Tax Credit program further incentivizes productions to keep work in state, and organizations such as the California Film Commission actively support the permitting and production process. Mr. Location Scout maintains deep ties with these organizations and is a member of the Location Managers Guild International and a long term Board Director of the Monterey County Film Commission.

What are the best filming locations in Big Sur and the Monterey Peninsula?

Big Sur and the Monterey Peninsula offer some of the most dramatic and photogenic filming backdrops in the world. Key locations include Bixby Creek Bridge, which has appeared in numerous automotive commercials and fashion campaigns; Pfeiffer Beach, known for its purple sand and distinctive sea arch; Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which has long been a favorite for cinematographers seeking rugged coastal beauty; and the rolling agricultural fields of the Salinas Valley, which provide sweeping rural landscapes ideal for lifestyle and outdoor product campaigns. The region also offers redwood forests, dramatic cliff-side roads along Highway 1, and an extensive stretch of undeveloped coastline. Mr. Location Scout maintains deep institutional knowledge of this corridor and has managed more productions here than any other scouting service in the area.

What types of locations can Mr. Location Scout source in Los Angeles and Southern California?

Los Angeles and the surrounding Southern California region offer an extraordinarily diverse range of filming environments, from urban streetscapes, rooftops, and architecturally significant interiors to desert landscapes, beaches, mountain terrain, and ranch properties. Mr. Location Scout sources locations across Los Angeles County, Orange County, and into the Inland Empire, including residential estates, commercial properties, industrial facilities, and iconic public spaces. Whether your production requires a mid-century modern home, a gritty downtown alley, a luxury Malibu beach house, or an expansive agricultural backdrop in Ventura County, our team maintains a curated library and network of owner relationships to facilitate rapid sourcing.

Does Mr. Location Scout work in San Francisco and Northern California?

The San Francisco Bay Area and broader Northern California are key areas where Mr. Location Scout sources locations, including Marin County, the Napa and Sonoma wine country, the Sacramento Valley, and the Sierra Nevada foothills. San Francisco provides a uniquely photogenic urban environment with its iconic hillscapes, Victorian architecture, waterfront at the Embarcadero, and proximity to dramatic natural landscapes within an hour's drive. Our Northern California operations are well-suited to productions requiring diverse location options such as luxurious wineries, organic farms, wedding barns, and large estate ranches, all within a compact geographic footprint.

Can Mr. Location Scout find filming locations at Lake Tahoe or in the Sierra Nevada?

Lake Tahoe is one of the most visually stunning locations in North America and an increasingly popular destination for automotive, lifestyle, outdoor, and luxury brand productions. Mr. Location Scout maintains an active presence and an expansive knowledge of the areas in the Lake Tahoe basin and the surrounding Sierra Nevada, including Truckee, Donner Pass, and the Eastern Sierra corridor toward the Mammoth Lakes, the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine, and Mono Lake. We also regularly scout the most stunning scenery offered by our National Parks; Death Valley, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon all have much to offer the more adventurous of filmmakers. Year-round access, summer alpine environments, an amazing diversity of landscapes, and winter snow scenery makes this region exceptionally versatile and highly photogenic.

PROPERTY OWNERS AND LOCATION FEES

How do I list my property with Mr. Location Scout for film and commercial productions?

Mr. Location Scout welcomes inquiries from property owners interested in making their home, estate, ranch, business, or land available for film, television, commercial, and photography productions. The process begins with submitting a link or website with photographs of your property along with a brief description and your best contact info to:  Info@MrLocationScout.com. Our team will evaluate the property's visual appeal, practical suitability for production use, and geographic relevance to our client base. Properties that are accepted into our library are presented to relevant productions at no cost to the owner, and if your property is a good fit for an upcoming production, Mr. Location Scout will set an appointment to arrange for an up-to-date scout of the property, and from there we will handle negotiations, location agreements, insurance requirements, and all other production logistics on your behalf.

How much do commercial productions and photo shoots pay to use your house for filming?

The amount that commercial productions and photo shoots pay to use a house for filming varies depending on a number of factors, such as the location, the duration of the shoot, and the type of filming activity. In general, property owners can expect to receive a fee for allowing their house to be used for filming. The amount of the fee will depend on the specifics of the production and the agreement reached with the production company. It is important to carefully negotiate and agree on the terms and fees before allowing your house to be used for filming. It is always a good idea to make sure you have a well-written Location Agreement in place with the Production Company, not only to ensure that you are protected and fairly compensated for the use of your property, but also to outline any protections that might need to be enforced to protect things such as floors, art, parking, neighbors, or any number of other possibilities that are unique to your home and require some level of protection. Mr. Location Scout acts as a liaison between property owners and the productions to help look out for everyone's best interests and they can help to reach an agreement that's right for all involved.

What types of properties do production companies most commonly look for?

Production companies and their location departments seek an enormous variety of property types depending on the project. Residential properties most in demand include architecturally distinctive single-family homes (particularly mid-century modern, Spanish Colonial, craftsman, and contemporary designs), luxury estates with acreage, homes with panoramic ocean or mountain views, and properties with large, usable exterior spaces. On the commercial side, industrial warehouses, restaurants, retail storefronts, medical facilities, office interiors, and hotel lobbies are frequently requested. Rural properties including working ranches, agricultural land, forested acreage, and winding roads, are consistently sought for automotive, outdoor, and lifestyle productions. If your property has a distinctive visual character or an interesting architectural story, it is worth submitting. We like to remind property owners.... even a junkyard is a film location.

How much can I earn by allowing a film crew to use my property?

Location fees paid to property owners vary significantly based on the size and nature of the production, the duration of the shoot, the exclusivity requirements, and the property's demand and uniqueness. For a one-day commercial shoot at a private residence, fees typically range from $1,500 to $10,000 or more per day, with larger productions or multi-day shoots commanding proportionally higher totals. Feature film and television productions may negotiate longer holds and higher aggregate fees. Mr. Location Scout acts as your advocate in these negotiations, working to ensure that owners receive fair market compensation while also ensuring that production companies have what they need to complete their projects. All terms are formalized in a Location Agreement prior to any production activity.

What is a Location Agreement and why does my property need one?

A Location Agreement is a legally binding contract between a property owner and a production company that defines the terms under which the property may be used for filming or photography. It specifies the dates and hours of use, the areas of the property that may be accessed, the compensation structure along with how it is to be paid, insurance requirements, property protection considerations, cleanup & restoration obligations, and any special restrictions the owner wishes to enforce. A well-drafted Location Agreement is essential for protecting your property, your neighbors, and your rights as an owner. It also serves as a guideline for productions to have a better understanding for the greater expectations of you and your property when entering into the agreement. Mr. Location Scout facilitates this process for every property in our network and strongly advises all owners never to allow a production on their property without a fully executed agreement in place.

PRODUCTION TYPES WE SERVE

Does Mr. Location Scout work on automotive and car commercial productions?

Automotive productions represent one of the most active segments of Mr. Location Scout's portfolio. Car and motorcycle commercials along with automotive campaign photography demand highly specific location criteria, typically compelling roads with interesting curves or elevation changes, dramatic backdrops, controlled lighting environments, and minimal competing visual noise. The Big Sur coastline includes iconic stretches of Highway 1, the Eastern Sierras, Mojave Desert, and the mountain roads above Los Angeles and Malibu are among the most frequently requested automotive corridors in the world. Mr. Location Scout has managed automotive productions for many of the world's leading car and motorcycle brands and understands the specialized film permitting and challenging logistical requirements these shoots demand.

Can Mr. Location Scout support fashion photography and editorial shoots?

Fashion photography and editorial productions require locations with strong aesthetic character, interesting light, and visual diversity. Mr. Location Scout has extensive experience sourcing locations for fashion campaigns, editorial spreads, lookbook productions, and luxury brand activations throughout California. From the sun-bleached textures of the Sonoran desert to the lush estates of Carmel Valley, the industrial architecture of downtown Los Angeles, or the windswept beaches of the Mendocino coast, our library of locations encompasses the full spectrum of environments that fashion clients seek. We also subscribe to a vast network of resources and property management professionals to provide fashion clients with a broad range of aesthetics to choose from.

Does Mr. Location Scout assist with television and streaming productions?

Mr. Location Scout provides full location scouting and location management services for television productions, including episodic series, pilots, documentary features, and branded content produced for streaming platforms. Television productions often require a wider variety of recurring locations and benefit significantly from working with a scout who has deep geographic knowledge and an established relationship network with property owners, film offices, and local jurisdictions. Our team can support productions throughout their entire run, not just initial scouting, and can manage the ongoing logistical demands of a multi-episode location schedule.

What types of event productions does Mr. Location Scout support?

Mr. Location Scout provides location services for branded events of all kinds; including experiential brand activations, corporate productions, product launches, pop-up activations, and high-end private events requiring distinctive or unique venues. We have sourced locations for large-scale experiential marketing events, luxury brand activations, promotional stunts, and product launch events at dozens of visually striking California venues. Whether you're hosting a small pop-up in a parking lot or securing several blocks of  downtown Los Angeles or San Francisco. Our event clients benefit from the same institutional knowledge, property owner relationships, resource networks, and permitting expertise that we apply to film and commercial productions.

THE SCOUTING PROCESS & WORKING WITH US

How do I hire Mr. Location Scout for my production?

Engaging Mr. Location Scout is straightforward. The process typically begins with a phone or email consultation in which we gather basic information about your project — the nature of the production, the desired locations or aesthetic direction, the shooting dates, and the geographic markets involved. From there, our team can prepare a scouting proposal and begin pulling from our existing library of pre-scouted locations while initiating targeted new scouting where needed. Early engagement is strongly recommended, as location availability and permitting timelines can materially affect your production schedule. Contact us at Info@MrLocationScout.com or by phone at (831) 521-3710 to get started.

How far in advance should I contact a location scout before my production?

The earlier the better. For larger productions such as features, episodic television, or major national commercial campaigns; location scouting ideally begins four to twelve weeks before the shoot date, as permitting lead times, property negotiation, and tech scout scheduling all require ample time for proper planning. For smaller productions such as regional commercials, photography, or branded content, two to four weeks of lead time is more typical, though rush scouting can be accommodated on shorter timelines depending on the complexity of the request. Drone filming, protected areas, and federal lands such as National Forests, National Parks, or Federal Preserves can often take 1 to 3 months as they require more paperwork and these agencies are often understaffed. Reaching out early provides your production with more options, more negotiating leverage with property owners, and more time to address logistical challenges before they become costly problems.

Does Mr. Location Scout have a library of pre-scouted locations?

Mr. Location Scout maintains one of the most extensive proprietary location libraries in California, spanning thousands of properties and locations across the state's primary production markets. Our library includes residential properties, commercial spaces, natural landscapes, rural land, public spaces, and architecturally distinctive environments of all types. For automotive shoots, we also house the largest video library of roads in California, many examples of which can be found on our YouTube Channel's Playlist titled "FilmLocations". For clients with specific or unusual location requests, we also conduct targeted new scouting as part of our service. And same-day file pulls are available for productions working on tight timelines that need location options quickly.

Does Mr. Location Scout work with international productions filming in California?

Yes. For over 30 years Mr. Location Scout's client base has included many international production teams, advertising agencies, and global brands producing campaigns in California. Our team has experience working with productions originating from Europe, Asia, Latin America, Australia, and beyond, but we also have extensive experience working in over 30 foreign countries as producers and location professionals as well, providing our scouts with a greater perspective for that experience. We understand the logistical, visa, carnet, embargo, and coordination considerations that international productions require. We are fluent in working with international creative teams and can serve as a comprehensive California production service resource, coordinating not just locations but also permitting, local crew, and multiple other production logistics.

MR. LOCATION SCOUT - COMPANY AND CREDENTIALS

How long has Mr. Location Scout been in business?

Mr. Location Scout has been providing premium location scouting, location management, and production services for over 35 years. Founded in California, the company has grown from a regional scouting operation to a multi-market service with offices in Big Sur/Monterey, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, Lake Tahoe, and Palm Springs. Over that period, we have built an unparalleled institutional knowledge of California's filming environments, and well-established film office connections throughout these regions.

What production credits does Mr. Location Scout have?

Mr. Location Scout's team of location managers and scouts brings a combined portfolio of over 1,200 production credits; spanning commercials, television series, feature films, fashion campaigns, documentary productions, and experiential events. Our client list includes leading automotive brands, major television networks, global advertising agencies, and luxury consumer brands. A selection of our work is showcased in our portfolio on Vimeo at vimeo.com/mrlocationscout as well as on our website at: https://mrlocationscout.com/our-work/
Team members at Mr. Location Scout have accepted many awards and nominations throughout their tenure in the production world, including; 2 Primetime Emmy's, 3 MTV Awards, a COLA Award Nomination, a Webby, and a BDMA Broadcast Gold Award, among many others over the course of our long and storied career in the film and television industry.

Is Mr. Location Scout a member of any professional industry organizations?

Mr. Location Scout participates in the broader professional community of the location scouting and production industries, engaging with organizations and networks that support the California and international film production ecosystem. We maintain active relationships with State and regional film offices throughout California to support film incentive programs. Mr. Location Scout's owner; Jeff Clark, is an active member of the Location Managers Guild International and has maintained strong connections within that community of professionals surrounding  the LMGI. He has has also served on the Board of Directors of the Monterey County Film Commission for the past 16 years, providing our team with unequaled access to resources and networks within film commission offices as well as their expansive production associations and organizations across the State.

Where are Mr. Location Scout's offices located?

Mr. Location Scout operates from offices strategically positioned throughout California to serve productions across the state's primary filming markets. Our offices are located in Big Sur/Monterey, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe, and Palm Springs. This distributed footprint allows us to provide local knowledge and rapid response across multiple markets simultaneously, which is a significant advantage for productions requiring locations in more than one California region.
Having statewide offices throughout California gives our location scouts a major competitive edge by providing instant local connections, deep knowledge of regional permitting, and access to extensive, proprietary location databases. This infrastructure allows us to seamlessly accommodate multi-region scripts, or even a larger variety of climates, while bypassing complex regulatory hurdles staewide.