Location Recce

When filming in any location with a cast and crew a location recce needs to be done. A location recce is a checklist of information which needs to be filled in when visiting a location in the pre-production stage so to make sure that everything is ok to film.  Recce is short for reconnaissance.

A location recce has various different sections which need to be filled in. First of all there is a complete box in which it is either a yes or no answer or a tick to make sure you have done it. The second part is a notes box in which any notes can be made if necessary. The various different sections are;

•  Things to take
•  Talking to people
•  Transport/access
•  Camera/lighting
•  Sound
•  Things for director
•  Food/accommodation.

The things to take section should include a list of items which are necessary when going on a location recce. These items are camera, mobile phone, notepad/pen, risk assessment form, map/directions, student ID, the brief and the checklist itself. All these items are very important because they help you to finalise the location management and make sure that is is accessible for your film and that you have the right permission. 

The talking to people section is aimed at ownership and that anyone you film in the location grants you the director the permission to film them. You also need to explain to the extras in the location what the films purpose is and you also need to exchange details incase anything goes wrong. An editorial policy also needs to be carried out with the location manager. This is where you explain how you are going to edit the location to make them look. The purpose of this is to avoid anyone suing you or complaining. Local events and any possible dress codes also need to be discussed.

When on a location recce transport and access is an important factor which needs to be included. This section covers key landmarks, hazardous environments, available toilets for the cast and crew and shelter. Camera and lighting is also covered in the location recce. This covers the position of the sun so that the lighting is perfect on the camera. This section also covers the size of the location and level flooring as well as secure places to keep kit.


My personal location recce 

Recce Checklist

Name of location : Southend College and outside plaza
 

Things to take:	Complete	Notes
Camera	Yes
Mobile phone	Yes
Notebook, pen, PDA	Yes
Programme risk assessment form	Yes
Maps/directions	Yes
Student ID card	Yes
Brief	Yes
Checklist	Yes
Talking to people:	Complete	Notes
Confirm ownership	Yes	Refer to head office/reception to confirm individual ownership
Exchange details	No	Not exchanged any details
Explain intentions	No	The intention is to make a student film
Discuss fees/contract	No	No fees or contract necessary
Editorial policy	Yes	Will be filmed in a positive manor
Are passes required?	Yes      No	Passes will be required when entering the college
Availability and timings	Yes	The college is open from 8 o clock to 10 o clock at night
Local events	Yes	There will be various events taking place throughout the year
Dress code	Yes     No	There is no set dress code
Copyright issues	Yes     No	No copyright issues
Children’s details	Yes     No	Details and permission will be required for under 18s
Transport/access:	Complete	Notes
Landmarks for directions	Yes	Significant landmarks are the main college and the central train station
Neighbour disturbance	Yes     No
Risk of trespass	Yes     No
Internal access	Yes	Internal access to college with a pass
Vehicle access	No	No vehicles required, travel will be on the train
Toilets	Yes	Toilets in the college
Traffic control needed?	Yes     No	No traffic control required
Shelter	Yes	Shelter inside the college
Safety for hazardous environments	Yes
Tidal waters	Yes     No	Not nearby
Boats/safety	Yes     No	None nearby
Camera/lighting:	Complete	Notes
Position of the sun	Yes	East before midday and west after midday
Window direction	No
Power supply	Yes	College supplies
Size of location	Yes	Very large and accessible for cast and crew
Strobing	Yes     No
TV/computer screens	Yes     No
Is floor level?	Yes     No
Secure place for kit	Yes    No	No secure places but can be looked after by a crew member
Cables	Yes
Smoke alarms/sprinklers	Yes     No
Sound:	Complete	Notes
Background noise	Yes	Background ambient sound , cars, lots of people and trains
Traffic/roadworks	Yes    No	Very little traffic
Aircraft	Yes     No	Airport nearby but very little aircraft noise
Electrical hazards	Yes     No
Schools	Yes     No	School children, college and university students
Weather	Yes      No	Weather can vary from windy to sunny and rainy
Background music/PA system	Yes     No
Air conditional/fridges	Yes     No	Air conditioning in college but it makes no noise
Wooden floors	Yes     No	Marble and plastic floors
Things for director:	Complete	Notes
Take photos	No
GVs/top shots	Yes
Cutaways	No
Backgrounds	Yes
Events	Yes
Additional contributors	Yes      No
Food/accommodation:	Complete	Notes
Eating	Yes	Food available all up the high street
Hotels	Yes	Hotels available locally

Check to make sure you've covered all you need and write more notes if necessary