Live Brief 2 - Location Scouting (The Babysitter)

Myself, Drew and John recently checked out a potential location for the short "The Babysitter", which was Drew's house. It's a very modern and spacious house, and could definitely pass off as the home for the borders in the short. I tagged along on the location recce so once I saw the area and layout of the house, it gave me a better understanding of where things are and will be and will help me write the script with a bit more detail, knowing where things will be, what certain tasks we can accomplish in the space etc.

The main room that is featured heavily is the living room, and is where Becca, the main character spends most her time, there is also the kitchen briefly and a children's bedroom which is shown at the end. There is also the potential to show just outside the front of the house for a shot, so we looked around to see if the house was suitable for all these different scenes and shots. The living room and kitchen are basically one large room, so we can either take control of that and embrace it in the short, and shoot it so it looks separate, there is also lots of space to move and dress it so it appears differently. John and Drew have already discussed easy changes and things to add which can make it appear more camera worthy and fit with the tone of the script. With the wide space it will also allow for different styles and types of shots that you wouldn't necessary be able to achieve in a smaller space.

The kitchens layout is very open and may cause a few issues, with the refrigerator door opening to a different side than we'd prefer for a certain short, but it's simple enough to work around. It's fair to say that the layout and space of the house is no bother and isn't causing issues that would prevent the shot from going smoothly. It is also easy to get access to with it been Drew's parents property, and not too big of a concern for moving or dressing the area for the shoot. All three of us recognised the potential for certain visions of shots and forms of storytelling, as well as realising how much space we'd have for people and equipment behind the camera. John's looked at a few houses for this location/set and seems to have settled on this one for the reasons discussed. Now after seeing the area I don't want it to reflect or affect my writing of the script too much, but enough for it to seem easier to read and easier for the director and cast to understand when and whereabouts in the house they are at particular scenes.