Scouting Fundamentals

Best Practices for Finding and Securing the Perfect Location

Location scouting plays a major role in the pre-production and production stages of filmmaking. When scouting for a location, there are a few things to consider. Washington Filmworks has created a number of resources filmmakers can use to find a picture perfect location.

Are you a filmmaker on a budget? Take a look at our Locations on a Budget document to get tips on professionally approaching locations without breaking your wallet.

After securing your location, notify local businesses and residents about the impact of your production after securing it by using a Canvasing Letter

The Code of Conduct can be used as a tool for location scouts to better explain how film crews are expected to act on location. Location Scouts can also provide this document when approaching local businesses or home owners about using their property as a location for filming. This document will help them understand the impact of a production. Productions approved for funding assistance must distribute this document to department heads.