March 23, 2026
How to Work with Location Scouts
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery © Netflix
There’s something magical about finding the right location, but it doesn’t just happen by luck – it’s the result of collaboration and a lot of groundwork from a production’s Locations Department. Whether you’re a director, DOP, production designer, or part of the creative team, working closely with your Location Manager or scout can transform a good location into the perfect one.
At Filming in England, our Production Liaison Managers work closely with Locations Scouts, offering bespoke suggestions of locations across England (outside of London) that fit their brief. But before a Location Scout comes our way, how can other members of the film crew communicate their vision to get the best location brief – and ultimately, that perfect filming spot?
Scroll down to see some top tips and hear from Location Scouts themselves:
1. Be Open to the Unexpected
A director might have a very specific image in their head, say a fog-riddled Norfolk marshland or a modern home, but sometimes the right location doesn’t look how you imagined, but it feels right. Trust your scout when they suggest something you didn’t expect; they know what’s available on the ground and what’s realistically achievable within your budget, timeframe, and shoot region.
“On 28 Years Later with Danny Boyle, we showed him a couple of unscripted locations – he liked them so much they were written into the film and made the final cut.” – Joshua Benedetti, Location Scout
2. Location Scouts Aren’t Just Tour Guides
Good location scouts can save your production from a hundred headaches before they happen, its always a good idea to respect their insight and pay attention to any red flags they’ve noted – for example, if that dreamy derelict church has no access or toilets!
“It takes time to find the perfect location – to absorb the script, research, letter-drop, visit, photograph. If a scout only has a few days, you might have to compromise.” Rebecca Pearson, Location Manager
3. Paint the Picture
Use references: film stills, photography, Pinterest boards – anything that shows tone and atmosphere. Some directors sketch, some write little mood essays. Whatever works for you, bring it to the table.
Location Manager Naomi Ashcroft told us, “I love when a director is passionate about the look and feel of the script. When they know what they want, I know what they really want. Even if they’re unsure, visuals and references are super helpful – it all helps build the imagery in my brain.”
4. Visit with Purpose
When you go on a scout, imagine the blocking, light direction and sound. Are there any practical matters that would be helpful for them to know?
“If a location doesn’t work, explain why. I’ve had directors say ‘find more’ without giving any reason – only to later reveal they needed a complex tracking shot and never told me.” Rebecca Pearson, Location Manager
5. Be Encouraging!
Location scouts work hard behind the scenes and rarely get the recognition they deserve. If a location makes your film sing, say so. In the wrap drinks, at screenings, even in your Instagram caption. It goes a long way!
“We love finding the perfect location – something that looks great, fits the story, works logistically, and has a nice owner. We get frustrated too when we can’t find it, so encouragement and fresh ideas really help during the harder searches.”
Filming in England are on hand to provide production support from early feasibility to post, get in touch with our team here: production@creativeengland.co.uk with your location briefs.
Or want to explore more locations? Search our nationwide Locations Directory to see over 8,000 outstanding locations: https://www.filminginengland.co.uk/locations/
