Site Inspection (Recce):

A site inspection, commonly known as a recce, is an initial visit to your property by the location manager. This step happens once your property makes it to their shortlist. During a recce, various team members evaluate how well your location fits their project’s needs. Expect several recces as the team refines their plans and assesses suitability.

Technical Site Inspection (Tech Recce):

A technical site inspection or tech recce is a crucial step in the selection process. It usually happens when your location is a strong candidate but not yet finalized. This detailed meeting with the crew focuses on the technical logistics of the shoot, like where to place essential facilities and equipment. It’s a good sign but not a final confirmation.

Mobile Restroom Facility (Honey Wagon):

The honey wagon is a portable restroom unit for the cast and crew, especially useful for larger teams or locations lacking sufficient in-house facilities. This term is often used in the context of bigger shoots where providing access to on-site restrooms is impractical.

Base of Operations (Unit Base):

The unit base is the operational heart of the production team while on location. It could be a spacious building or an outdoor area like a parking lot, where production trailers, catering services, and other essential facilities are set up during filming.

Set-Up Day (Prep Day):

Prep days are allocated for arranging and dressing the location before the actual shoot. The duration can vary from half a day for simple setups to several days for more elaborate productions. The fees for these prep days are typically lower than the shooting day rates.

Dismantling Day (Strike Day):

The strike day is when the location is returned to its original state after filming concludes. The crew carefully dismantles set pieces and cleans up, often using pre-shoot photographs as a guide to ensure everything is back in place. Strike day fees are generally half the rate of filming days.

Site Coordinator (Location Manager):

The location manager is a freelance professional hired by production companies to find and manage film locations. They are responsible for aligning locations with the project’s vision, budgeting, negotiating fees, and ensuring smooth operations before, during, and after the shoot. They are your primary point of contact throughout the filming process.

Location Finder (Location Scout):

A location scout specializes in discovering sites that fit specific production requirements. They may seek unique outdoor spaces or specific types of properties not listed with agencies. Scouts consider logistical aspects and report to the location manager.

Primary Hold (1st Option):

When a production team shortlists locations, they place holds, known as options, on them. A 1st option gives them the first right to use your property, while a 2nd option is a backup. Agreeing to a 1st option is a commitment and cannot be easily altered for other offers.

Tentative Reservation (Pencil):

Penciling a location is an informal way of reserving it for potential shoot dates. It means that the location is tentatively held for a client until they either confirm or release it.

Booking Confirmation (Confirmation):

A booking confirmation is the final step where the client officially decides to use your location. This could happen quickly for small projects or take longer for larger ones, following extensive inspections and negotiations. This stage finalizes all details, including usage, fees, and contract specifics.