A stellar cast? Check. High-end cameras? Check. A perfect script? Check. 

But here’s the thing: none of them really matter if your location feels off and the set design looks like a Pinterest fail. 

Your audience may not know what makes them both “perfect,” but they’ll feel it when it’s wrong. 

Location and set design build the world your characters live in, and trust us — there’s no green screen that can save you from a poorly chosen backdrop. If you’ve seen a shooting scene within neon green walls, you probably know what we’re referring to. 

So, whether you’re filming a gritty short film or a sleek ad, getting location and set design right during video production is essential. Keep reading to know how. 

Location Scouting Tips To Try Today

The right location can complement your narrative, while the wrong one can throw everything off. From lighting to sound, every detail matters when choosing where to film. 

1. Prioritize Accessibility Over Aesthetics

A breathtaking location might wow on camera, but if your crew is hiking up a mountain with 50 pounds of gear or searching for a power outlet in the middle of nowhere, it’s of no use. 

When scouting, think beyond the aesthetics to save your sanity. Is there parking nearby, or will your crew need to park three blocks away and haul equipment? Are there restrooms, or is everyone doomed to “rough it”? 

Remember, your ideal location is one that’s visually stunning as well as practical. It makes things easier for your team and lets you avoid costly delays. 

After all, a perfect sunset shot is worthless if you’re too busy untangling logistics to capture it. So, choose wisely, and your production team will thank you.

2. Scout Virtually Before Visiting

Before you hit the road, hit the web. Virtual scouting can save you money and a world of frustration. 

Tools like Google Earth and location databases can give you a solid sense of a spot without leaving your couch. Check for things like natural lighting, surrounding noise sources, and general layout. Does it look like it’ll fit your vision? Does it seem accessible? 

This pre-screening process helps you weed out places that might look great in photos but turn out to be logistical nightmares in person.

Pro tip: Look for virtual tours or videos of the location if they’re available. A single 360-degree view can reveal more than hours of clicking through static images. Once you’ve shortlisted your options, you’ll know exactly which spots are worth the visit (and which are a waste of gas money). 

3. Check for Power Sources

Lights, cameras… and no action? That’s the nightmare scenario when your location lacks power sources. 

Without electricity, your equipment is just expensive paperweights. So, make sure you scout for accessible outlets, especially if you’re shooting indoors. 

For outdoor locations, don’t assume you’re covered. Double-check if portable generators are allowed or if the venue offers power hookups. 

Remember, one outlet isn’t enough if you’re running lights, monitors, and chargers simultaneously. So, consider bringing an extension cord and power strips to every shoot. 

Even the most prepared location can surprise you with an outlet in the worst possible spot. However, initial preparation will keep you from production delays and your crew focused on the creative work, not scrambling to charge dead batteries.

4. Look for Hidden Gems

Sometimes, the best spots are hiding in plain sight without you even knowing. This may include community centers, libraries, quiet parks, or even that quirky cafe you pass every day. 

These lesser-known spaces often have unique charm and fewer restrictions, making them ideal for creative projects on a budget. You can also reach out to local businesses or schools. Many are open to hosting a film crew, especially for a small fee or a shoutout in your credits. 

Plus, smaller locations often come with fewer red-tape headaches compared to high-demand spots.

So get curious, ask around, and explore spaces others might overlook. You might just discover the perfect location where no one else thought to look.

5. Check Weather and Lightning Conditions

Nothing derails a shoot faster than bad weather or unpredictable lighting. 

That sunny park scene? It’s not so charming when the rain starts pouring, or harsh midday sunlight creates unflattering shadows.

Therefore, begin by checking the weather forecast for your shoot dates. 

Besides, research the location’s natural lighting conditions at different times of the day. Does it get direct sunlight or stay shaded? Are there reflective surfaces that might bounce light in unexpected ways?

If you’re shooting outdoors, have a Plan B ready (think covered areas or portable canopies to protect your crew and gear). For indoor shoots, take note of windows and how natural light interacts with the space. You may need blackout curtains or diffusers to get the look you want.

In short, plan ahead, and you’ll stay ahead.

6. Consider Permissions and Permits

That picturesque location you’ve scouted? It’s useless if you’re kicked out mid-shoot for not having the proper permissions. 

Securing permits might not be glamorous, but it’s essential to keep your production running smoothly (and legally). Make sure you research the location’s rules. Public spaces often require filming permits, while private properties generally need written consent from the owner. 

Some permits might even dictate time restrictions, noise levels, or crew size. So, be prepared to provide details about your shoot.

Pro tip: Don’t overlook insurance. Many places require proof of liability coverage before granting access. And remember, permits can take time to process, so plan well in advance.

Permissions let you avoid fines and maintain professionalism. The last thing you need is an angry landlord or park ranger shutting down your shoot. So, it’s best to play by the rules.

7. Noise Mapping

That beautiful, secluded park might look perfect on camera, but what happens when you press “record” and all you hear is the hum of traffic or the chirp of crickets?

To avoid sound issues on the day of the shoot, bring a sound recorder with you. 

Walk around the location and listen for any background noise that might interfere with your dialogue. Pay attention to things you might not notice at first, like distant machinery, traffic, or HVAC systems. Even the rustling of leaves or wildlife can create unwanted distractions.

It’s also important to scout at different times of the day. 

Noise levels can vary dramatically over time. For instance, an area might be calm in the morning, but by afternoon, it could be filled with activity. 

This will help you plan your shoot around quieter times or find ways to manage disruptive sounds.

Set Design Tips 

The set design is part of your story. Therefore, you need to consider everything, from props to colors and textures. 

8. Match the Set to Your Story

A crime drama can feel out of place in a pristine, minimalist living room, just as a whimsical rom-com would feel off in an industrial warehouse. Therefore, your set needs to echo the tone and emotion of your video.

Start by asking yourself: What mood are you trying to convey, and what’s the personality of the characters in this space? 

Every element should align with your story’s vibe, from the furniture to the color palette. Subtle details like worn books on a shelf or mismatched chairs can bring authenticity to your set, while the wrong choices can confuse your audience.

So, make sure you choose carefully, and let your set speak volumes. After all, it’s no less than a character in your story. 

9. Prioritize Depth and Layers

A set with depth gives viewers more to discover the longer they look. 

If everything’s just shoved into the background, it doesn’t feel real, and it certainly doesn’t draw anyone in.

So, how do you add that visual “oomph”? By incorporating layers.

A chair in the foreground, a shelf with knickknacks in the middle, and a window showing a beautiful view in the background give your space context and life.

Further, be creative with lightning, too. Cast shadows or highlight certain elements in the foreground to guide the viewer’s eye. You can use soft lighting for distant objects to make them feel “far away” but still connected.

When done right, depth makes your audience feel like they’re part of the scene.

10. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette

Color palette speaks louder than any prop or actor’s performance.

First, consider your video’s tone. Are you going for warmth and comfort? If so, earthy tones like browns, soft greens, and beiges can provide that. 

If you want something tense, bold reds and cool grays will help create that vibe. Besides choosing the colors, you must also consider how they work together. 

A cohesive palette means balancing contrasting tones so they complement each other, not clash. You can mix neutrals with pops of bold colors, but make sure you have an anchor (one dominant tone that ties everything together).

Not to mention that lightning also plays a huge role in how colors behave. 

Natural light can make blues feel colder, while warm light will bring out the richness in reds or oranges. So, when choosing your colors, think of how they’ll interact with your lighting setup and adjust accordingly.

11. Use Texture to Add Realism

Texture is one of those details that can make a huge impact but is often overlooked. It adds a level of authenticity to your scene, making it feel like a tangible environment.

Begin by thinking about what your scene needs. A shabby apartment might, for instance, require worn-out furniture, frayed rugs, and peeling paint on the walls. A cozy living room, on the other hand, might call for soft throw blankets or wooden shelves showing signs of age. 

The key is using textures that feel natural for the space and the characters that inhabit it.

Also, don’t just rely on fabric textures either. Look at the walls, floors, and the small objects. Rough stone, polished wood, crumpled paper, or weathered metal all bring a sense of history and real-world wear and tear. 

While you’re at it, don’t forget to mix textures. Pair a plush velvet sofa with sleek metal chairs, or contrast a smooth glass vase with a textured stone countertop. This variety keeps things visually engaging and prevents the scene from looking too uniform or “made-up.”

Overall, the texture is one of those subtle touches that heightens the realism and breathes life into the scene.

12. Consider DIYing

Not every set has to come straight from a store. Sometimes, the best props are the ones you make yourself. 

A little creativity is all you need to utilize everyday materials and make something striking out of them.

Start with something simple, like faux brick walls. You can easily create textured wallpaper that mimics brick, giving a raw feel without real masonry's cost (or heaviness). 

Or, take those artificial plants that never quite look natural, and alter them using a bit of craft paint or realistic faux greenery. Your set will instantly feel lush without needing a florist’s budget.

You can also create props or set pieces from everyday objects. 

An old wooden pallet can be reworked into shelving and a stack of cardboard can be painted to resemble stone, for instance.

The beauty of DIY creativity is that it lets you add personal touches that make your set feel more lived-in. The possibilities are endless, so roll up your sleeves and get crafty.

Connect with the Best Video Marketing Agency Chicago

You can map out the perfect location and carefully set every prop, but filmmaking has a funny way of throwing unpredictable challenges.

The weather might change, your crew might get stuck in traffic, or the neighbor's dog could decide it’s time to serenade your set with non-stop barking.

What really matters is your ability to think on your feet and keep that creative spark alive, whether that means finding a hidden gem you hadn’t considered or reworking your set to accommodate an unexpected change. 

And if all this sounds like a lot to juggle, don’t worry; we’re here for you. At Indirap Video Production, we specialize in taking the stress out of location scouting and set design. 

Our team can make video production seamless by helping you find the perfect location and choose an ideal set design. Get in touch today to find out more!

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