When it comes to managing a commercial production that shoots in multiple locations, preparation is key. A well-planned shoot schedule and budget can help ensure the project runs as smoothly as possible with minimal hiccups or delays. Properly planning out the details of each location will also help to reduce costs by ensuring that all necessary elements are accounted for upfront.
This includes selecting the right locations, accounting for weather delays, and making sure there are enough crew members on hand to handle the workload. Additionally, taking into account potential obstacles such as permits, language barriers, and cultural differences can make all the difference in a successful production.
Let’s dive into a few tips and tricks to help you manage multiple locations during a shoot. But first, let’s talk about the importance of managing your different locations thoroughly.
Why is your Management style important when filming in multiple locations?
Having a well-managed shoot ensures your production can proceed without costly delays and unexpected obstacles. Planning ahead allows for fewer surprises, allowing the crew to focus on their task at hand without any distractions. In addition to this, developing an effective communication strategy will help keep everyone in the loop about changes in schedule or budget. Finally, it’s important to have a backup plan in place in case something does go wrong. Having contingencies for unexpected problems such as weather or permit issues can help the production schedule run smoothly and on time.
Now that you know why it’s important to manage your shoot properly, let’s look at some tips and tricks to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Tips and Tricks to Managing Multi-Location Shoots
In order to keep track of your many different locations, or even if you’re only shooting in to places, there are a few tips and tricks to making sure your production stays on schedule and without much in the way of unplanned, expensive costs.
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Select the Right Locations
It’s important to select locations that can accommodate the needs of your production. This includes taking into account availability, cost, and practicality when scouting potential sites for filming. Make sure you have a good understanding of all necessary permits and regulations before filming so that there are no surprises down the road.
The right locations fit the story you’re trying to convey in your commercial- if you’re shooting a commercial for tourism in Los Angeles, then you want to make sure you’re filming in Los Angeles, not San Fransico. They also have enough space for crew and equipment without feeling cramped or claustrophobic. Locations that offer flexibility in terms of shooting angles or natural lighting are ideal since it gives producers more creative freedom without extra costs involved.
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Create Detailed Shooting Schedules
Once you have your locations selected, create detailed shooting schedules for each one. Account for travel time between locations as well as setup and breakdown times at each site. Leave some buffer room in the schedule in case of delays or issues arising unexpectedly. The more detailed your schedule, the easier it will be to keep the production running smoothly without falling behind or going over budget.
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Double Check Crew Availability
Make sure that your crew is available for all necessary dates and times, especially when it comes to multi-location shoots. This includes confirming the availability of actors, directors, assistant directors, and other key personnel before the shoot starts.
Making sure that your people are available when you location is available is crucial. You won’t be able to actually shoot your footage if you don’t have any actors or camera workers on set!
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Plan Around Weather Delays
Weather can play a major role in the success of a shoot. Planning ahead for potential rain or wind delays can help keep your production on schedule and minimize costly reshoots. Having contingency plans in place like booking indoor locations or setting up for quick changeover times will ensure the production stays on track even when Mother Nature throws a curveball.
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Develop a Communication Strategy
Clear and effective communication is essential for managing multiple locations. Having a strong understanding of who is responsible for what, which days certain tasks need to be done, and any changes in the budget or schedule will help the production run as smoothly as possible. Allowing for direct lines of communication between crew members and key personnel will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and can quickly solve any problems that arise.
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Plan for Cultural Differences and Language Barriers
When filming internationally or in different cultures, it’s important to be aware of cultural differences and language barriers that could affect your production. Do research ahead of time to understand local customs and have translators on hand to help navigate communication challenges. Being sensitive to cultural norms will help avoid offending anyone and keep the filming process running smoothly.
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Have a Backup Plan
Despite the best planning, unexpected issues can still arise on set. Having a backup plan for potential problems like weather delays, location issues, or crew availability will help minimize disruptions to filming. Think about alternative solutions for common issues and be prepared to pivot quickly if needed. Having a backup plan shows foresight and will keep your production on schedule.
In summary, managing multiple locations for a commercial shoot requires careful planning and preparation. By selecting the right locations, double checking crew availability, planning around weather delays, developing a communication strategy, and being aware of cultural differences, you can help ensure your production runs as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. With some forethought, even the most complex multi-location shoots can be managed successfully.
Or, you could hire a professional production team!
When you work with a professional production company on any production, you’ll have access to industry experts who know how to effectively plan and execute multi-location shoots. They have the experience, resources, and talent to ensure your shoot goes off without a hitch.
C&I Studios can certainly help you take on a larger scale production such as this. We have experience filming in multiple locations and countries simultaneously and can manage all aspects of planning and logistics.
We also have studios located in major cities in the United States that are available for rent. They’re fully equipped, too! And, if you rent one of our studios, you’ll already have one of your locations figured out!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to managing a successful multi-location shoot. Planning ahead and having contingencies in place will help keep the production on track while avoiding costly delays or rescheduling. With the right preparation and communication strategies, you’ll be able to make sure your production runs smoothly and on schedule.
So don’t wait! Contact C&I Studios today to get started on your commercial production.