How to Prepare Your Location for a Professional Video Shoot

Choosing the right filming location is crucial for the success of your video project. Even the best cameras and lighting cannot compensate for a room that is too small, noisy, or difficult to access. A few minutes of preparation can save significant time and hassle on filming day.

Quick Location Requirements

• Quiet room
• Enough space for cameras, lights, and crew
• Suitable background
• Nearby power outlets
• Parking and loading access
• Permission to film
• Movable furniture
• Wi-Fi for remote stakeholders
• Safe equipment route

Recommended Room Size

Here are the recommended space guidelines:

• Small one-camera interview with a two-person crew: 30–35 square metres / approximately 320–375 square feet
• Standard corporate interview with a three-person crew: 35–45 square metres / approximately 375–485 square feet
• Two-camera executive interview or larger production: 45–60+ square metres / approximately 485–650+ square feet

Room length should be at least 5–7 metres / 16–23 feet, width at least 4–5 metres / 13–16 feet, and ceiling height at least 2.7 metres / approximately 9 feet. More space is usually preferable for better camera angles and lighting.

Ideal Room Layout

Here’s an ideal layout for a professional interview room:
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Noise and Sound

A quiet room is often more important than a visually impressive one. Listen for:

• Air conditioning
• HVAC systems
• Refrigerators
• Fans
• Elevators
• Road traffic
• Construction noise

Stand silently in the room for two minutes and record a short video. Listen back with headphones to assess noise levels.

Lighting and Windows

While the crew brings professional lighting, natural light can be helpful. Ideal conditions include:

• Large windows
• Controllable room lighting
• Consistent light throughout the day

Ask if blinds can be closed or if the room can be darkened if necessary.

Choosing the Background

Useful backgrounds include:

• Branded walls
• Executive offices
• Modern meeting rooms

Avoid clutter, confidential documents, and busy walkways in the background.

Furniture and Room Control

Confirm if:

• Tables can be moved
• Chairs can be replaced
• Decorations can be repositioned

Reserve the room for the entire production window, including setup and pack-down.

Power

Ensure:

• Several working power sockets are available
• Sockets are not locked
• Extension leads can be used

Parking, Loading, and Equipment Access

Check for:

• Free or paid parking
• Loading access
• Distance from parking to the filming room

Building Entrance and Check-in

Confirm:

• Exact filming address
• On-site contact name and mobile number
• ID requirements

Health and Safety (If there is any)

Include:

• PPE requirements
• Emergency procedures

Filming Permissions and Privacy

Confirm:

• Which areas can be filmed
• Whether staff can appear in the background

B-roll Locations

Check for:

• Workspaces
• Reception areas

Multiple Locations

For shoots involving more than one location, ask:

• How long is the drive?
• Is parking available at each?

Wi-Fi and Remote Monitoring (If there is remote connection needed)

Confirm:

• Guest Wi-Fi availability
• Signal strength in the interview room

Photos and Phone Walkthrough

Request:

• Wide photos from every corner of the interview room
• Photos of the intended background

Final Client Checklist

• Address
• Entrance
• Contact person

Conclusion

The goal is not to find a perfect location but to identify potential issues early so the crew can plan around them. Smartphone photos and videos are completely acceptable.