Location Scouting: You Must Have Physical Access to Scout, No Exceptions.

Relying solely on photos, virtual tours, or even detailed blueprints for location scouting is a recipe for disaster, and any production that skips a physical scout is courting unnecessary risk. While digital tools are fantastic for initial filtering, they cannot replicate the nuanced understanding of a space you gain by simply being there.

I've seen productions fall apart because a key piece of equipment didn't fit through a 'standard-sized' doorway that was actually narrower than anticipated, or because the promised 'quiet street' turned out to be directly under a flight path every ten minutes. You need to feel the acoustics, check the natural light fall-off throughout the day, physically walk the cable runs, and identify potential power sources alongside your gaffer. You can’t zoom in on an electrical panel in a virtual tour and know what kind of power you're actually drawing. These aren't minor details; they are fundamental logistical considerations that profoundly impact shooting schedules, budgets, and the final look of your scene.

Some argue that time and budget constraints, especially on smaller projects, make physical scouts impractical. And yes, flying a scout out can be expensive. But what's more expensive? A dedicated scout trip, or a full crew standing around for half a day while you re-rig because no one realized the ceiling was too low for a reflector? Sure, Google Street View is a good starting point, but it's a poor substitute for boots on the ground. Am I too rigid on this, or is physical scouting an unskippable phase?