faq
Location Scouting
+Permits
FAQs
about scouting
How do you work?
Agility and flexibility are principle components of my process. I consider each request and can make just about any request work.
Below are some of the most common requests.
- A potential client sends a list of locations they need, written word or a mood board. They ask me if these can be found in San Francisco or surrounding areas. If not, where would be better suited for the needs of the project.
- The client knows exactly what they want to shoot and they send me there to see what it looks like now.
- The client is looking for ideas. More than once, I have been flown to places I have never been, to look at locations. Just looking for ideas.
I have been approached with many ideas, these are the most common ways to get started. Once this is established and it’s determined I am available for the project, and the sflocations terms are agreed to or tailored to suit the needs of both parties, we are ready to start scouting.
At the end of each day I post the days scouting to a private password protected website for your team to review, I do this for each day I scout.
Once all scouting is done, I leave the website up for 30 days after the completion of your production.
I am also available to answer questions after the scouting is done, as well to help secure permits and or permissions to use locations scouted by sflocations, using my permit assistance as a service.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out using the contact form, touchBASE, say hello 🙂
# of locations you scout in a day?
Every project is different, sometimes none and sometimes many, but usually many.
For example, if you have specific locations for me to go to in San Francisco, I can scout 6-12 locations in a day depending upon the time of year.
Less when the days are shorter and more on longer days.
I base my day on a 10 hour day, from the moment I step out the door to the moment I post the day’s locations.
What camera do you scout with?
I scout with an iPhone.
Location Viewing Portal?
Each project has a private password protected website.
Each location has an address (or some identifier) and map, time of day images were taken, contact info if available.
Compass heading and notes.
Location Management?
Currently I do not offer location management. I do offer permitting assistance with clients I scout for.
I am also available to tech scout with the production team.
Drone Scouting?
At this time I do not offer location scouting with a drone.
Video Scouting?
Scouting for stills is what I do, if you need video as well, I can do so upon request.
Rate(s) (Payment Methods)?
My rate(s) are flat rate unless traveling out of town in which case travel expense is added on to my base flat rate.
Rates(s) also change depending upon the needs of the project. If you would like to know my rates, reach out using the form to check my availability.
I accept ACH and Wire Transfer Payment for services. All jobs require a 50% advance with balance due upon completion of my work.
For out of town work all estimated travel expense are due in advance of services.
FAQs
about scouting
How do you work?
Hello 🙂
How do you work, some people ask.
A good question, thanks for asking.
I hope what you read below can answer this question.
Since agility and flexibility are principle components of my process, I consider each request and can make just about any request work.
Below are some of the most common requests.
- A potential client sends a list of locations they need, written word or a mood board. They ask me if these can be found in San Francisco or surrounding areas. If not, where would be better suited for the needs of the project.
- The client knows exactly what they want to shoot and they send me there to see what it looks like now.
- The client is looking for ideas. More than once, I have been flown to places I have never been, to look at locations. Just looking for ideas.
I have been approached with many ideas, these are the most common ways to get started. Once this is established and it’s determined I am available for the project, and the sflocations terms are agreed to or tailored to suit the needs of both parties, we are ready to start scouting.
At the end of each day I post the days scouting to a private password protected website for your team to review, I do this for each day I scout.
Once all scouting is done, I leave the website up for 30 days after the completion of your production.
I am also available to answer questions after the scouting is done, as well to help secure permits and or permissions to use locations scouted by sflocations, using my permit assistance as a service, service.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out using the contact form, touchBASE, say hello 🙂
# of locations you scout in a day?
Every project is different, sometimes none and sometimes many, but usually many.
For example, if you have specific locations for me to go to in San Francisco, I can scout 6-12 in a day depending upon the time of year.
Less when the days are shorter and more on longer days.
I base my day on a 10 hour day, from the moment I step out the door to the moment I post the days locations.
What camera do you scout with?
I scout with an iPhone.
Location Viewing Portal?
Each project has a private password protected website.
Each location has an address (or some identifier) and map, time of day images were taken, contact info if available.
Compass heading and notes.
Location Management?
Currently I do not offer location management. I do offer permitting assistance with clients I scout for.
I am also available to tech scout with the production team.
Drone Scouting?
At this time I do not offer location scouting with a drone.
Video Scouting?
Scouting for stills is what I do, if you need video as well, I can do so upon request.
Rate(s) (Payment Methods)?
My rate(s) are flat rate unless traveling out of town in which case travel expense is added on to my base flat rate.
Rates(s) also change depending upon the needs of the project. If you would like to know my rates, reach out using the form to check my availability.
I accept ACH and Wire Transfer Payment for services. All jobs require a 50% advance with balance due upon completion of my work.
For out of town work all estimated travel expense are due in advance of services.
sffilm permit info
a partial list
Permit Application
Fill out and send in the permit application at least 7 business days before your shoot on City of San Francisco Properties.
https://www.sf.gov/information/instructions-completing-film-permit-application
SF Permit Fees
Applying for a City of San Francisco permit is free
You pay per day that you are filming
Permit fees:
https://www.sf.gov/reports/january-2022/fees-film-san-francisco
You need a permit when shooting:
- Commercial productions, including digital media, advertisements, corporate videos, and PSAs
- Entertainment, including feature films, independent films, TV episodes, short films, and web content
- Student film productions
- Still photography
You do not need a permit when:
- Filming a breaking news story, if you have official press credentials
- Taking photos or video for private use (family or personal travel).
- Filming entirely on and within private property (no shots or production parking outside)
Neighborhood Filming Notification
Requirements
You must notify residents and businesses at your shoot location if you are planning to:
- Use 4 or more parking spots for 4 or more hours
- Close lanes or streets
- Film simulated violence or explosions
- Film between 10 pm and 7 am
- Film with drones
Deadlines
Film SF must approve your film notice. You must distribute notices 72 hours before the shoot begins.
https://www.sf.gov/notify-locals-about-your-film-shoot?nid=6352
itc or Street Closure
Intermittent Traffic Control or Street Closure
Request police support for your film shoot
https://www.sf.gov/request-police-support-your-film-shoot
Certificate of Insurance Requirements
Insurance requirements to film in SF
You must send filmsf a certificate of insurance before they will process a film permit. The COI must be sent from your insurance agent.
https://www.sf.gov/information/insurance-requirements-film-sf
Filming with Drone(s)
Permits are required to shoot with a drone on, from, within, and over City of San Francisco streets.
sffilm permit info
a partial list
Permit Application
Fill out and send in the permit application at least 7 business days before your shoot on City of San Francisco Properties.
https://www.sf.gov/information/instructions-completing-film-permit-application
SF Permit Fees
Applying for a City of San Francisco permit is free
You pay per day that you are filming
Permit fees:
https://www.sf.gov/reports/january-2022/fees-film-san-francisco
You need a permit when shooting:
- Commercial productions, including digital media, advertisements, corporate videos, and PSAs
- Entertainment, including feature films, independent films, TV episodes, short films, and web content
- Student film productions
- Still photography
You do not need a permit when:
- Filming a breaking news story, if you have official press credentials
- Taking photos or video for private use (family or personal travel).
- Filming entirely on and within private property (no shots or production parking outside)
Neighborhood Filming Notification
Requirements
You must notify residents and businesses at your shoot location if you are planning to:
- Use 4 or more parking spots for 4 or more hours
- Close lanes or streets
- Film simulated violence or explosions
- Film between 10 pm and 7 am
- Film with drones
Deadlines
Film SF must approve your film notice. You must distribute notices 72 hours before the shoot begins.
https://www.sf.gov/notify-locals-about-your-film-shoot?nid=6352
itc or Street Closure
Intermittent Traffic Control or Street Closure
Request police support for your film shoot
https://www.sf.gov/request-police-support-your-film-shoot
Certificate of Insurance Requirements
Insurance requirements to film in SF
You must send filmsf a certificate of insurance before they will process a film permit. The COI must be sent from your insurance agent.
https://www.sf.gov/information/insurance-requirements-film-sf
Filming with Drone(s)
Permits are required to shoot with a drone on, from, within, and over City of San Francisco streets.
