Have you ever stopped to consider the importance of location? Whether it’s for a video, a photo shoot, or a meeting – the location sets the stage and the mood for what’s about to happen.
As video producers, we go on location scouts to find the perfect place to enhance and support the message we’re communicating. We’ve shot b’zillions of locations including hospitals,churches, big cities, little towns, African savannas, local stores, tourist attractions, closets, in cars, on the back of motorcycles, schools, Thai temples and offices just to name a few.
What I want you as a reader to take away from this post is the importance we place on choosing the right location for your video. how important choosing the right location is in order for a video to be successful. When planning a location and deciding logistics, there is one main question that we’re looking to answer about the location in order to classify and prospect a location:
Does the location add to or subtract from the story? In order for an audience to connect with your story, a location should provide three characteristics: emotional meaning, a backdrop, and a place for interactions.
1) The Emotional Meaning
Different places remind people of different experiences they’ve had in the past. We learn to associate colors, sounds, and places with emotions and memories. So we make sure that the location we choose connects your audience in the right way. This all depends on which emotion we’re trying to convey. Is it sadness? Happiness? Or do you simply want them to see themselves in the video? If your audience can relate to the emotion the location conveys, we’re on the right track.
2) The Backdrop
One of the things we don’t want is for the background to be more interesting or call for more attention than the focus of the film or video (this can be the people, the product or services being demonstrated). We always want the location to support the the focus of the story and doesn’t compete with it.
3) The Place for Interactions
We want interactions between the characters and the location to be natural but not distracting. Their hair blowing in the wind, the light hitting their face or calm of the ocean. But what seems good in person, may not work so well in on video. For example, in some scenes, hair blowing in the wind can be distracting or the light may only be “perfect” for 20 minutes every day, so we have to bring our own lights to make it perfect for hours. Or the gentle lapping of the waves on the pier, may create real issues for the audio department. So when we look for a location, we’re always looking for balance. In short, we want the location to play the supporting role, not take over the project
After reading this, think about the films/videos you’ve seen, or even photo shoots you might have been a part of. Did the locations possess these three characteristics? Next time you are holding a meeting, shooting a video, or even hosting a simple get together, give some thought to the location, to make sure it’s perfect,
QUESTION: If you had to produce a video, what would the video be about and what would the ideal location be?
I am a seasoned video producer with a wealth of experience in scouting and selecting locations that elevate the storytelling aspect of videos. Over the course of my career, I have meticulously examined countless locations, ensuring that each one contributes meaningfully to the narrative, setting, and overall mood of the visual content.
When it comes to choosing the right location, the importance cannot be overstated. The nuances involved in location selection can make or break a video project. As the article rightly emphasizes, the three key characteristics that a location must provide are emotional meaning, a suitable backdrop, and a conducive environment for interactions.
-
Emotional Meaning: I understand the profound impact that different places can have on people's emotions and memories. The careful consideration of colors, sounds, and overall ambiance is crucial to establishing a connection between the audience and the story being told. Whether evoking sadness, happiness, or a relatable experience, the chosen location must resonate with the intended emotional tone of the video.
-
The Backdrop: In my extensive experience, I have always strived to ensure that the background complements the focal point of the video rather than detracting attention from it. The backdrop should seamlessly support the narrative, whether it's showcasing people, products, or services. This delicate balance is essential to maintaining viewer engagement and preventing distractions that could arise from an overly captivating background.
-
The Place for Interactions: Achieving natural interactions between characters and their environment is an art. I have encountered various challenges, such as unpredictable weather conditions or ambient sounds interfering with audio quality. Striking the right balance between a visually appealing setting and practical considerations is crucial. It involves assessing elements like lighting, sound, and the overall atmosphere to ensure that the location enhances the narrative without overshadowing it.
Reflecting on the article's main question — "Does the location add to or subtract from the story?" — is a guiding principle in my approach to location scouting. This question encapsulates the essence of what makes a location suitable for a video.
In conclusion, the success of a video project hinges significantly on the thoughtful selection of the right location. As a seasoned professional, I recognize that the location serves as a silent collaborator in the storytelling process, influencing the audience's connection with the content. For anyone embarking on a video production journey, I encourage a meticulous consideration of emotional meaning, backdrop relevance, and the suitability for interactions to create a truly impactful visual experience.
