From my filmmaking blog www.behindfilm.com:
1. The Look
The first, and most important, aspect of a location is the look. Does the place fit the scene in your script? Can you visualize the characters in your story interacting in this space? Will the location look unique and interesting in the frame? In other words if your story calls for an upscale restaurant don’t look at burger joints.
2. The Cost
How much is this place going to cost you for the pleasure of using it? What is the owner going to charge you? Will you only have to pay a flat fee for full use of the place or will you have to pay certain amounts for different levels of access? Is there anything expensive at the location that you should be extra careful around?
3. The Availability
When can you use it? Can you rent the location at a time that fits into your schedule? Will you have exclusive use of the location during shooting or is the owner going to continue to use it in some way? Is it available all day for shooting or for only a few hours each day. Is it available during the night? During the Day?
4. The Power
How many outlets are there? Are they close to where you want to shoot the scene? How much power can the building handle? Is use of the power utility included in the location fees? Are you going to have to bring your own generator?
5. Parking, Washrooms, and Cafeteria
Where is the closest parking lot? Are there washrooms and places to eat on location or is the crew going to have to walk to a local store? Where is the crew going to rest when they’re not filming?
What else do you guys recommend looking at when scoping out a location.
1. The Look
The first, and most important, aspect of a location is the look. Does the place fit the scene in your script? Can you visualize the characters in your story interacting in this space? Will the location look unique and interesting in the frame? In other words if your story calls for an upscale restaurant don’t look at burger joints.
2. The Cost
How much is this place going to cost you for the pleasure of using it? What is the owner going to charge you? Will you only have to pay a flat fee for full use of the place or will you have to pay certain amounts for different levels of access? Is there anything expensive at the location that you should be extra careful around?
3. The Availability
When can you use it? Can you rent the location at a time that fits into your schedule? Will you have exclusive use of the location during shooting or is the owner going to continue to use it in some way? Is it available all day for shooting or for only a few hours each day. Is it available during the night? During the Day?
4. The Power
How many outlets are there? Are they close to where you want to shoot the scene? How much power can the building handle? Is use of the power utility included in the location fees? Are you going to have to bring your own generator?
5. Parking, Washrooms, and Cafeteria
Where is the closest parking lot? Are there washrooms and places to eat on location or is the crew going to have to walk to a local store? Where is the crew going to rest when they’re not filming?
What else do you guys recommend looking at when scoping out a location.