Location scouting checklist template (and what you need to know)
Written By Esther Cooke
September 4, 2025
Nothing slows down a shoot like a location problem you didn’t anticipate. From a power outage in an old manor house to a noisy train line ruining dialogue, these issues can derail production, blow the film budget, and frustrate the crew. That’s why location scouting is one of the most important stages of pre-production. It’s not just about finding a beautiful location, it’s about ensuring your chosen space can safely, legally, and practically support the production.
To make this easier, we’ve created a free film location scouting checklist (PDF) that covers everything you need to consider. Below, I’ll walk you through the main categories from the checklist, explaining why each matters and what to watch out for when you’re on a scout.
Contents
Why do you need a location scouting checklist?
Breaking down the checklist:
Storytelling
Access and logistics
Power and technical needs
Safety
Sound and surroundings
Visuals
Lighting and weather
Contract and permits
Checklist template
Final thoughts
Why do you need a location scouting checklist?
During a location recce or a technical scout you have a lot of decisions to consider. It would be all too easy to get swept away by stunning visuals, and overlook practical details such as parking or potential noise issues. A structured checklist ensures you don’t overlook the essentials that could cost time, money, or even the whole shoot.
For UK productions, where shoots often take place in listed buildings, on private estates, or city streets where there are specific filming do's and don'ts, a checklist keeps you on track. It helps balance the creative with the practical: making sure the location serves the story while also ticking all the boxes for safety, logistics, and legality. In short, it’s the difference between a smooth shoot and a nightmare.
Let’s break down the questions you need to ask yourself while scouting a location.
Why it matters: Locations aren’t just pretty backdrops, they are as vital as your characters. The right setting amplifies theme, heightens mood, and grounds the story in authenticity.
Tone & atmosphere: Does the location’s natural feel match the emotional tone of the scene (e.g. sterile, warm, gritty, romantic)?
Time period: Is the location accurate? Would your character realistically live, work, or pass through this space?
Modifications: Are any mods required to match the scene requirements?
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Why it matters: You can have the most beautiful location in the world, but if your crew and kit can’t access it, it's just not going to work.
Loading and unloading (get-in/get-out): Can vans or lorries get close enough to drop equipment? Tight London terraces and country lanes can be tricky.
Parking: Is there enough space to park trucks, crew cars, and unit vehicles on-site? Or are there options nearby like an open space or carpark that production could rent?
Toilets: Are there enough for the number of people on set? For larger shoots it might be necessary to hire mobile welfare units.
Public transport: Especially useful in cities where there is limited parking. Can cast/crew reach the site easily from the nearest bus or train station? Or do you need to arrange buses or shuttles to the location?
Disability access: Is there step-free access? Check wheelchair accessible toilets and disabled parking.
Catering/rest areas: Is there space indoors for catering and a green room or do you need to hire mobile units/food trucks and trailers/marquees for an outdoor setup?
Pre-shoot access: Will the owner allow deliveries before the filming day?
Why it matters: Safety comes first. Overlooking hazards can lead to costly shutdowns (or worse, injuries). Take your health and safety officer, if you have, one to the scout. They’ll spot risks you won’t.
Emergency exits & first aid: Know where they are. Can emergency services access the site easily?
Why it matters: Beyond logistics, visuals must serve the story. Bring your cinematographer/DP and production designer to the scout to spot potential and problems others miss.
Wide shots: Test whether your scene holds up in a wide.
360° view: Are there angles to avoid (logos, modern buildings)?
Signage & clearance: Any commercial brands or artwork must be cleared.
VFX needs: Consider if post-production will need to remove or add elements.
Set dressing: Are you allowed to paint, move furniture, or alter the space?
Lighting and weather
Why it matters: The UK is unpredictable. Rain can stop play, but planning can avoid unnecessarily lost shoot days. Use scouting apps like PhotoPill to help you track sun paths.
Weather impact: Will rain delay the shoot? Is the ground usable when wet?
Indoor temperature: Is it comfortable? Is there temperature control?
Shelter: Can cast/crew stay dry and warm?
Sun path: Know where light falls throughout the day.
Location scouting is more than a box-ticking exercise. It’s where creativity meets logistics, where vision meets reality. A well-scouted location will not only keep your shoot on track but elevate your story.
Download the UK film location scouting checklist PDF to take with you on your next scout. Use it, adapt it, and keep it in your production toolkit.
Need a place to store your shoot locations?
SuperScout is your own private location library – upload locations in minutes, tag them with ai in seconds, then search and share with your team
SuperScout is rocket fuel for your private locations database — built hand-in-hand with location teams who have worked on every size of production from the MCU to Indies. SuperScout was built for the people who are tired of Dropbox/SmugMug, endless email threads, and chaos.
