FILMING ON LOCATION: UNDERSTANDING AND DOING IT
Once upon a time in Hollywood films were shot entirely on soundstages, sets or on a movie studio backlot. Filming on location was unheard off. What is generally meant by filming on location is any designated place that already exists in a real environment where a film crew will be filming actors and recording their dialog.
Filmmakers began choosing to film on location because many found that it added a sense of greater realism to their films. The illusion of reality is vivid and stronger on location. Whereas on a set it’s hard to replicate certain real locations especially when it come to precise details, wear and tear, architectural details, among others.
Another colossal reason for shooting on location is because shooting on location has greater financial viability. For example, there is no need to build sets when you already have the set in existence, i.e., a locations.
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FILMING ON LOCATION GUERILLA STYLE VS. HOLLYWOOD STYLE
When shooting on location it can be done in a guerilla filmmaking style or in a Hollywood like style.
In guerilla filmmaking style basically the director shows up with his/her actors and films them drawing as little attention as possible. Find our more about guerilla filmmaking by reading our post Guerilla Filmmaking: What It Is And Pointers On Doing It.
In the Hollywood like style the producers of the film have film permits that allow their film production to set up equipment in public, shut down streets, etc., for a limited time. The location would be found by a location scout and all of the legalities of securing the location would be taken care off by a location manager.
FILMING ON LOCATION GUERILLA STYLE VS. HOLLYWOOD STYLE
Location shooting is generally welcomed by communities and countries because it can stimulate their economies. For example, film cast and crew when on location need to be fed, transported and accommodated. This ultimately stimulates business for local catering, transportation and accommodation services.
Also, if a film goes on to have significant success the municipality, town and/or country can see a significant increase in tourism.
FILMING ON LOCATION GUERILLA STYLE VS. HOLLYWOOD STYLE
Depending on your budget and the aesthetic appeal you’re going for shooting on location may be the way to go. As we’ve stated it will help you minimize costs while giving you the realistic look you’re looking for. One of our favorite and totally recommendable films shot entirely on location is The French Connection. From it we also drew inspiration in the filming of Ambiguous.
One of our favorites and totally recommendable films shot entirely on location, directed by Academy award winning director William Friedkin, is The French Connection. In The French Connection a pair of NYC cops in the Narcotics Bureau stumble onto a drug smuggling job with a French connection. It stars Gene Hackhman and at his best. From it we also drew inspiration for the filming of Ambiguous.
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