Location scouting across East Africa
Location scouting is a vital process in the pre-production stage of filmmaking and commercial photography.
Once scriptwriters, producers or directors have decided what general kind of scenery they require for the various parts of their work that is shot outside of the studio, the search for a suitable place or “location” outside the studio begins. It’s at this point that our vast knowledge of East Africa comes in handy. Realm Africa safaris™ boast of up to 10 years of assisting foreign film crew and individual filmmakers find that ideal film location.
Our Location scouts also look for generally spectacular or interesting locations beforehand, this means we have (of-our-fingers) a database of varying film locations in case of requests. When we find the ideal location(s), we go an extra mile to negotiate all relevant legal access to these filming locations. Be sure we will get you the best deals on filming locations across east Africa.
What we consider whilst finding your ideal Film location
Having done location scouting for quite some time, we now understand that if no done well, this can greatly affect a production.
We have learned to look out for the following;
- the overall philosophy of Art in film shooting.
- the financial cost to production.
- logistic feasibility including but not limited to distance from base of operations or other locations scheduled
- availability of electrical power or feasibility of bringing in generators for lights and electrical equipment.
- available light (indoors or outdoors) and weather conditions (outdoors)
- permission from and cooperation of location owner and neighbours, local government and law enforcement.
The Process of finding a suitable film location for your shoot.
Typically ideas for what a filming location should or could be are discussed between production company and Realm Africa safaris™, then research is begun to actually find and document that location using our team of location scouts.
Our location scouts working under the supervision of the location Manager, generally strive to provide as many potentially useful/viable ideas and/or options as possible for review by production; often the Assistant Director, Production Manager and subsequently, the Director or even the Executive Producer in the case of narrative filmmaking.
Once a consensus on locations with the most potential is reached, arrangements are normally made for some of the heads of the other Production Departments to tour those location(s) to confirm suitability.
During this time the Realm Africa Safaris™ location scouting team will start to contact and begin negotiations with all relevant parties concerned in order to secure all permits and permissions to film at the location something we call “clearing the location”: The location clearing process involves investigating and confirming availability and all fees to be paid to a location owner or agent, obtaining any needed film permits (may involve fees).
Also, there might be the distribution of “resident letters” or “filming notifications”. These are notices to neighbours, advising them of intent to film in the area (often a local requirement). These steps result in “locking down”: making sure that all details and existing or potential issues are addressed. While it is our job to anticipate and minimize problems associated with a location, it is also the productions team or filmmaker to advise us of any intractable problems that may need consideration so that contingencies can be planned.
Other Optional services that we can offer besides Location Scouting
Dealing with the right persons (company) to assist you clear all your filming equipment will help make your shoot a success. Realm Africa Safaris™ can assist in clearing you Filming Kit at any entry point in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda & Rwanda. Among the things we do is assist in temporary importation of filming drones. However, drones being a sensitive subject, we often recommend starting this process a lot earlier. Ample time is the secret to successfully importing a drone in most destinations we fix.
Learn More from our article: Hassle-Free film Kit clearance Services by Realm Africa Safaris™
- Accommodation :
Realm Africa Safaris has a long-standing good working relationship with most hotels, lodges and inns in each of the destinations we fix. We are therefore in a better position to not only recommend but to also find the best rates and also book the accommodation for your film crew if need be.
- Transportation:
Realm Africa Safaris™ operates a fleet of very reliable and purpose suited vehicles for filming. From open-sided jeeps to very basic closed cars including well-suited equipment carriers. We can arrange both your crew and equipment transportation.
Our Filming security services are designed to secure your filming location, and protect your cast, crew, and equipment. Location shooting offers its own unique threats and risks, so we design patrol tours, standing guard placement, and post-order duties to maximize our surveillance and minimize opportunities for theft, trespassing, vandalism, disturbances, and other unwanted activity.
