Logistics Locations

A recce is vital to making a successful film, it involves the scouting of locations for shoots. Recces also aid with a risk assessment, as it gives crewmembers a prior understanding of the location, as well as assessing all the hazards and that it is safe enough for a crew to be on. In addition it will also help find the most effective location for the film, and therefore give it the best chance of trying to reflect the overall mood. Recces must be completed multiple times in multiple places in order to be carried out effectively. The same place might be visited multiple times by different crew members to see if the location is effective. In addition meetings between different production groups might be made in order for everyone's viewpoints on the location are seen. All issues must be dealt with before filming begins. 

Location managers are vital to a film crew. They focus and find places that are accessible as well as being safe for a crew being on. They are the ones who will arrange recces and will photograph their findings to give feedback to the rest of the crew. In addition they will also begin discussions with the location owners. During filming they will manage the location and ensuring it is a safe working environment. After shooting, they will be in charge of the clean up. Assistant location managers are in charge of organising technical recces for heads of other departments as well as assisting the location manager. They will help clean and tidy at the end of each day.

If these roles were not filled, then the most effective location for a film may be found. Furthermore, this will also mean that another crew member will have to fill in, and they may not have the skills, nor contacts needed. This may affect the overall look and mood of the film. If this is left to the last minute, and not timescaled effectively, then the right location might not be found. Furthermore locations that they want to use may already be being used by another film crew, or isn't available on the days needed. Not giving enough time and consideration could mean that these locations may not be secured.

Guidelines when undertaking a recce research

Is the location appropriate for the look of the film?

Does it add to the emotional tone of the script?

Is access available?

Is it available when needed?

Is the location safe for cast crew and equipment?

Is artificial lighting needed?

Is there enough space?

Is there electricity?

Are there toilets?

Essential items for a recce

-digital camera 

-light meter

 -ruler and graph paper

 -compass 

 -circuit tester

 -tape measure

If recces are not undertaken efficiently and effectively, then there might be many hazards. One of the points of a recce, is to undertake a risk assessment, this therefore allows

These hazards to be identified and rectified before the initial shoot. This also gives crew members time to make the place safer and cater for everyone's needs. If this is not performed effectively, then a location may not be able to be secured. This can also affect the overall location of the film, as the correct location may not be available if it is looked at too late.

A risk assessment is a document which must accompany any filming and recce schedule.  It makes sure that the person responsible when on location has considered the safety of everyone involved on set on the day of filming. The whole point of a risk assessment is to identify potential hazards. Risk assessments must be carried out to ensure the safety of all crewmembers. It is an essential part of pre production due to the fact that it puts many aspects of the film in place. It considers the overall safety of the production, which could be seen as the most important thing at the end of the day, as this could save thousands of pounds if there is an accident.