Companies 
Content
Global Production Financing Webinar 
LeaderSpeak Podcast 
Supply Chain News 
Latest Projects
Global Trends
About Projects Tracker
About Vitrina
Our Story
Our Solutions 🔥
Case Studies
Our Profile
Introduction
In filmmaking, the setting is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character. The right location can make a story unforgettable, while the wrong one can break the entire production. But finding that perfect spot—and securing it—is a complex job. That’s why smart producers rely on the experts. This guide will walk you through how to find and partner with the best location scouting companies, ensuring your creative vision comes to life on screen, on time, and on budget.
Curious how Vitrina can help you? Try it out today!
Trusted by global entertainment leaders to grow business, acquire high-demand content, promote projects and services, and track every Film + TV production worldwide
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Main Point |
|---|---|
| Defining ‘Best’ | Top companies blend a creative eye with logistical mastery, handling everything from discovery to permits and on-set management. |
| Core Services | Scouting involves more than finding pretty places; it includes research, photography, negotiation, and managing legal requirements. |
| Global and Local Expertise | Great location partners have deep local knowledge and often work with film commissions and full-service studios to access the best spots. |
| Efficient Sourcing | Using a marketplace like Vitrina streamlines the search, connecting you with verified, world-class location services providers. |
Is your location search going nowhere?
What to Look For in a Location Scouting Company
The “best” location scouting company isn’t just the one with the biggest photo library. It’s a partner that understands your script’s needs and can navigate the practical realities of filming. They are problem-solvers who can find a location that is not only visually perfect but also logistically feasible and within budget.
| Essential Quality | Why It’s Crucial |
|---|---|
| Creative Vision | They must be able to interpret the script and director’s vision to find locations that enhance the story. |
| Logistical Expertise | Knowledge of permitting, local laws, community relations, and production needs (e.g., parking, power). |
| Strong Network | Connections with property owners, film commissions, and local government officials to get access and approvals. |
| Resourcefulness | The ability to find creative solutions when the “perfect” location isn’t available or falls through. |
When you are vetting potential partners, consider asking these questions:
- Can you share examples of locations you’ve secured for projects similar to ours?
- How do you handle the permitting process in this region?
- What is your fee structure (e.g., day rate, project fee)?
- How do you present your location suggestions (e.g., digital lookbook, virtual tour)?
- What challenges have you faced on past productions, and how did you resolve them?
What Services Do Location Scouts Offer?
Professional location services go far beyond simply taking photos of interesting buildings. A full-service location department or company manages the entire lifecycle of a location, from the initial search to the final wrap. Understanding the full scope of their work helps you appreciate the value they bring to a production.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Script Breakdown | Analyzing the script to identify all necessary locations and their specific requirements. |
| Location Research | Using databases, local knowledge, and physical scouting to find potential locations. |
| Permitting & Contracts | Negotiating with property owners and securing all necessary film permits from local authorities. |
| On-Set Management | Overseeing the location during filming to ensure compliance with agreements and manage logistics. |
Hiring a professional team provides significant benefits:
- Saves Time and Money: They prevent costly mistakes like choosing a location with impossible logistics or hidden fees.
- Reduces Legal Risk: They ensure all contracts and permits are in order, protecting your production from fines and shutdowns.
- Unlocks Access: Their connections can get you into exclusive or hard-to-access locations.
- Creative Collaboration: A great scout becomes a key creative collaborator, suggesting locations you never would have thought of.
What Services Do Location Scouts Offer?
Professional location services go far beyond simply taking photos of interesting buildings. A full-service location department or company manages the entire lifecycle of a location, from the initial search to the final wrap. Understanding the full scope of their work helps you appreciate the value they bring to a production.
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Script Breakdown | Analyzing the script to identify all necessary locations and their specific requirements. |
| Location Research | Using databases, local knowledge, and physical scouting to find potential locations. |
| Permitting & Contracts | Negotiating with property owners and securing all necessary film permits from local authorities. |
| On-Set Management | Overseeing the location during filming to ensure compliance with agreements and manage logistics. |
Hiring a professional team provides significant benefits:
- Saves Time and Money: They prevent costly mistakes like choosing a location with impossible logistics or hidden fees.
- Reduces Legal Risk: They ensure all contracts and permits are in order, protecting your production from fines and shutdowns.
- Unlocks Access: Their connections can get you into exclusive or hard-to-access locations.
- Creative Collaboration: A great scout becomes a key creative collaborator, suggesting locations you never would have thought of.
Exploring the Best Location Scouting Companies & Production Partners
The world’s best location services are often provided by specialized boutique firms, dedicated location managers, or as part of the offering from a full-service production company or film studio. These companies have the infrastructure and local expertise to handle complex shoots. Below are some top-tier production service companies, studios, and film commissions known for their excellent location access and support.
| Company/Organization | Key Strength |
|---|---|
| Fresco Film Services | Leading production services in Spain and Portugal with deep location expertise. |
| Screen NSW | A government agency offering a locations database and support for filming in New South Wales, Australia. |
| Studiourile Buftea | Historic Romanian studio with extensive backlots and production services, including location management. |
| KOJO Studios | Australian studio offering end-to-end production services, from locations to post-production. |
Other leading companies and studios that facilitate world-class productions include:
- Saga Film: A key production service provider in the Balkan region.
- Octane Multimedia: A production and distribution company with a network for sourcing locations.
- Twofour: A major UK production company with experience across factual and entertainment genres.
- RSVP Film Studios: An Indian film production house known for its diverse slate of projects.
- Scope Pictures: A Belgian production company with extensive experience in international co-productions.
- Fabula Pictures: An Italian production company producing film and television for global audiences.
Want to streamline your production workflow?
How to Hire the Right Location Partner for Your Project
Finding the right partner requires a structured approach. You need to clearly define your needs, do your homework, and use the right tools to connect with qualified professionals. A scattershot approach of cold-calling and endless web searches is inefficient and rarely yields the best results.
This is where a platform like Vitrina provides a crucial advantage. Vitrina is a global marketplace for the Media & Entertainment supply chain, designed to connect content creators with verified service providers. Instead of guessing, you can use our data-driven platform to discover and vet the best location scouting companies and production service partners from around the world. See how our solutions can transform your procurement process.
| Step | Action Item |
|---|---|
| 1. Create a Location Brief | Outline your script’s needs, visual style, budget, and logistical constraints. |
| 2. Research & Shortlist | Use Vitrina to filter for companies with expertise in your target region and production type. |
| 3. Request a Lookbook | Ask your top choices to provide a preliminary lookbook or “mood board” based on your brief. |
| 4. Check References | Speak with past clients to verify their reliability, creativity, and problem-solving skills. |
Vitrina simplifies every step of this journey:
- Verified Vendors: Access a curated network of thousands of credible production service companies.
- Powerful Search: Filter by service, location, and project history to find the perfect match quickly.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Compare companies based on their portfolio, client history, and areas of expertise.
- Efficient Outreach: Manage your project proposals and communications in one place with the Project Tracker.
Trusted by Execs and Leaders From
crafty apes
ITV_Studios 1
Globo 2024 1
Vector (1)
PRG
Hyphenate Media
Sony TV
Premier Digital
Netflix
Getty
Digital Film Tree
Amagi
William Morris Endeavor (WME) Entertainment
Endeavor Group
Warner Bros. Discovery
Toonz Media Group
Sony Pictures
SBT Brazil
Special Broadcasting Service (SBS)
Paramount
DLE Animation Japan
Google TV
Friday Filmworks
Conclusion
Securing the right location is foundational to a successful production. By partnering with one of the best location scouting companies or production service providers, you gain more than just a place to film—you gain a creative ally and a logistical expert. Using a strategic tool like Vitrina takes the guesswork out of the equation, empowering you to find and hire these crucial partners with speed and confidence.
Don’t leave your film’s most important character to chance. Find your expert location partner on Vitrina. Get Your Vitrina Membership Today!
Frequently Asked Questions
A location scout is primarily responsible for the creative work of finding and photographing potential locations. A location manager handles the logistics, including contracts, permits, budget, and managing the location during the shoot. Often, one person or company will perform both roles.
Costs vary greatly depending on the region and project scope. Scouts are often paid a day rate, while full-service location management is budgeted as a line item in the production. Location fees paid to property owners are a separate cost.
Vitrina’s marketplace is global. You can easily search for “production services” or “location management” and filter by country or city. This gives you instant access to a list of vetted local experts, saving you weeks of international research.
A location agreement should clearly state the dates and times of access, the exact areas to be used, the fee, insurance requirements, and rules regarding alterations to the property and clean-up procedures. A professional location manager will handle this for you.
