When it comes to any type of audio-visual production, it is important to choose the right filming location. And not only so that it is suitable for the foreseen setting (it might be a customizable indoor area), but also to make sure that it meets a set of requirements that are essential to do the work involved.
This post deals with the matters that have to be taken into account when choosing a professional filming location; somewhere that meets the needs of the film crew and the work that has to be done, which also guarantees a positive experience on set.
Picture: Brands&People en Unsplash
What should I bear in mind when it comes to choosing a filming location?
Whether it is to make films, advertisements, a series or small productions for social media channels, there are a few points that have to be taken into account.
- What are the requirements of the scene? Is it an open area? Do we need a set, a house, a studio…? What should the lighting be like or any other relevant feature? Clearly define the needs before starting to look for locations.
- Luckily, at Grand Luxor Mice we have small and large areas, which can be adapted to almost any budget. You should also bear in mind that the cost of renting filming locations varies considerably. There is a very big difference between a small space indoors and a large area outside for wide shots or big productions.
- The geographic location is crucial in many cases. First of all, obviously, when it comes to the scenery outdoors and also with the natural light, which is different according to the city that you are in, especially in coastal areas. Lastly, bear in mind the different climates. If you need rain, look for locations in the north of Spain; if you want guaranteed sun, the province of Alicante is the place for you.
- Check the availability of the locations that you are interested in and make sure that they fit in with your schedule. Both in terms of the reservation and the work schedule, you already know that foresight is always fundamental. Furthermore, filming locations are usually booked well in advance. Bear this in mind.
- In many places you will need the permits required to film. Try to make life easier for yourself and your film crew, by using locations where it is easy to get the necessary permits or where you don’t even need permits. However, if you have fallen in love with a place that does need permits, make sure you get them.
- Make safety important. Filming locations that, in general, are free of hazards for the film crew take precedence. What is more, if they have already been fitted out by companies, they will have emergency plans in the event of accidents, which will make the whole process much simpler and safer for you.
- Make sure that there is enough room or that areas have been set aside for the production crew, technicians, extras… as well as rest areas and places to store equipment.
- Visit the location beforehand when you expect there to be the most amount of noise. In this way you will avoid any unexpected surprises when the whole crew is there. You will find locations that have already been set up for filming to be much quieter. If they aren’t, you can always take measures to cut out unwanted noise.
- Think about accommodation, if you need to stay overnight in a hotel or something similar for the filming. Adapt the choice of location to the accommodation available and get the amenities that the crew needs (bathrooms, restaurants, infrastructure to get to the place…). It is interesting that you know the “All in one” concept.
- When it comes to renting the facilities, make sure you sign a solid contract with the lessors, which includes all the necessary details about the facilities, the terms and the liabilities. It is the perfect way to protect both parties and make sure that you are dealing with reliable companies or people.
- Moreover, these locations, or your crew must be covered by some type of civil liability insurance against any possible damage to the property or any injuries suffered during the filming.
- Have a plan B so that you can change the location if it rains or if anything unexpected happens. At Grand Luxor Mice, for example, there are a large number of rooms available that have feasible alternatives in the event of an emergency.
What is the price range in renting filming locations?
It is difficult to estimate the prices to rent filming locations. There is an enormous difference in the prices for locations that range from small rooms to large outdoor areas. Grand Luxor Mice is a perfect example of this. We have small rooms for about 8 people and large outdoor areas that can be used for large-scale events.
Bear in mind that it is not only the size of the location that is different, the invoicing method might vary as well (for hours or days), along with the whereabouts, the autonomous community, if the location is rented out by professional companies with experience and services or if it is just the space that is supplied… the price difference might vary from €100 to several thousands.
The price range from the lowest to the highest for the types of locations available is shown below:
- Small simple spaces such as apartments, offices, studios, small houses or lesser known places.
- Medium size spaces such as mid-range housing, business premises, industrial areas or studios set up to meet a wide range of needs.
- At the top of the range, there are luxury locations, outdoor or themed filming locations, studios with professional equipment or vast areas of land.
- Lastly, the so-called “unique” or “emblematic” locations. That is to say iconic and exclusive locations such as national, cultural or historical heritage, monuments, private property of great value, etc.
The best is to always have it clear what the filming requirements are and, when you have decided which locations you want to rent, ask for quotes in different places that have similar characteristics to get an idea of the price. If you would like to rent one or a few filming locations, come and see our spaces for yourself and get a quote with no strings attached. You will discover that there are many possibilities for MICE Tourism at Valencian Community, which has 300 days of sun a year.
What is the best time of the year to film in the Valencian Community?
If you decide to film in the Valencian Community, there are great opportunities here that you can make the most of for your project with the Mediterranean climate. Sun, good weather and plenty of services… Hereinafter we will tell you what the best times of the year are to film here (although, all in all, it is easy to film here right through the year).
- Spring between March and June, is a wonderful time to film in the Valencian Community. It is when its mild and pleasant climate can really be enjoyed, with temperatures between 15ºC and 25ºC. The flowers and the plants that grow in the area are at their best, creating a fresh and colourful look.
- Summer, between June and September, is the hottest time of the year, which also has the most hours of sunlight. Perfect for landscapes or scenes on the beach. However, it is a good idea to come prepared to protect yourself from the most dangerous hours of sunshine.
- Autumn is a lovely season for filming. The temperatures are mild, even if it rains, and the typical autumn colours become apparent. It is the rainiest season (just like in the rest of Spain), but, compared to the majority of other areas of the peninsula, it is the region where it is the least likely to rain.
- Winter in the Valencian Community is mild compared to the majority of places in Spain; Even so, there are a few rainy and grey days, together with sunny days.
Although it depends on what you are filming, it is true that spring and autumn are the most popular seasons of the year for film locations in the east of Spain, which is why it is a good idea to book in advance. However, if it is impossible to book ahead of time, given the project in question, it would be a good idea to check the weather forecast a few days before embarking on the work and always have a plan B.