Get an overview of the filming location.

What is a filming location? How do you find a location that suits the script? In this article, we will help you understand this concept. We will also share some tips for creating beautiful locations, along with necessary precautions to avoid unwanted mistakes during filming.

What was the filming location?

A film set/location is not simply a place to position the camera; it encompasses the entire space, time, and environment created to serve a storytelling purpose. In professional filmmaking terminology, the setting acts as an "invisible character" capable of communicating with the audience without any dialogue.

It encompasses everything from natural locations (outdoor settings) such as forests, mountains, and streets to elaborately staged studio spaces (indoor settings) or complex digital environments. The evolution of settings is closely linked to the history of filmmaking. In the early decades, filmmakers often relied entirely on sunlight and available locations.

However, with the development of technology, the concept of a setting has expanded to include studio systems with absolute control over sound and lighting. Today, settings also encompass virtual spaces created by CGI and Unreal Engine technology, allowing producers to realize worlds that have never existed.

The setting in the living room for the SONY x Right Media project.

An excellent setting must ensure logical consistency with the script, support the actors' actions, and create a distinctive atmosphere that captivates viewers from the very first frames. In professional projects like Right Media's, determining the setting always begins with a deep understanding of the core message the business wants to convey.

The important role of background in professional video production.

In any video production project, whether it's a TV commercial, a corporate video, or a lecture video, the setting always plays a core role in shaping image quality.

Here are the main roles that context provides:

• TEstablish the spatial and temporal context: Simply by looking at the furniture arrangement, the wall paint colors, or the surrounding architecture, the audience can immediately identify where the story is taking place (city or countryside) and at what time (past, present, or future).
• Depicting the characters' psychology and social status: A minimalist, elegant office reflects the meticulous and authoritative personality of a CEO; while a cluttered room filled with stacks of old files suggests a person experiencing a crisis or work-related stress. This is the "Show, don't tell" technique, allowing viewers to naturally understand the message.
• Establish the mood and tone for the entire video: The combination of setting and lighting will create different emotional vibrations, ranging from the romantic warmth of a small café to the professionalism and prestige of a modern laboratory. A carefully planned setting will optimize the delivery of the brand message, making it more memorable for customers and building trust in the professionalism of the service provider.

Classify the common types of film sets currently in use.

Currently, depending on the budget, script nature, and communication goals, production companies like Right Media typically advise clients on three main types of settings, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These include:

• On-Location Filming:

This involves filming at real-life locations such as parks, streets, office buildings, or tourist areas. The biggest advantage of this format is its absolute authenticity and spatial depth, which is difficult to achieve with staged settings.

However, the challenge was that the crew had to cope with unpredictable weather changes, environmental noise, and controlling natural light. Moving a large film crew and bulky equipment to the locations also required an extremely complex logistical process.

The natural setting of the tea hills in the project that Right Media carried out with the Phu My brand.

• Filming in Studio Sets:

This is a setting built entirely within a closed studio. The outstanding advantage is 100%'s control over lighting, sound, and temperature, ensuring a seamless filming process without interruption from external factors. The studio allows art professionals creative freedom, meticulously constructing offices, living rooms, or laboratories according to the script's intentions.

• Green screen and virtual (Virtual/Chroma Key Sets):

This is a trend of the digital age. Actors will film against a green screen, and then the post-production team will use "background removal" techniques to integrate them into virtual spaces designed on a computer. This method saves on travel costs and the need to set up expensive or non-existent sets, while also opening up unlimited creative possibilities for filmmakers.

Right Media – A provider of professional and dedicated background solutions.

Finding and setting up filming locations is a laborious process that requires a keen sense of aesthetics. Right MediaWe are not simply a film crew, but also strategic location consultants. We believe that "Dedication creates peace of mind."

Each project, from the Profile Video for the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park to the Branded Film in Phu My, involved an extremely thorough site survey by the team to ensure the setting best served the client's message.

Right Media is committed to a workflow. transparent Absolutely. All costs for renting the setting, setting up props, and decorating the space are detailed in the contract, allowing businesses to fully understand the budget without worrying about unexpected additional fees.

Right Media always conducts preliminary research to ensure the setting is suitable for the project.

Our team of graphic designers is always ready to assist. dedicatedThey are willing to adjust even the smallest details in the setting, from the color of the rug and the placement of the flower vase to the intensity of light shining through the window, in order to create the most aesthetically pleasing images.

We understand that a well-designed setting is the strongest affirmation of brand credibility. When choosing Right Media, clients receive in-depth advice on how to optimize existing spaces or create innovative ones, making your lecture videos or corporate films more professional and engaging than ever before.

5-Step Process for Building a Professional Film Set 

To create a perfect visual space, Right Media applies a closed and scientific production process. Building the filming location doesn't just begin at the start of shooting; it must be meticulously prepared from the pre-production stage.

• Scenario analysis and needs breakdown: The screenwriting and cinematography teams will sit down together to determine the necessary locations. Each segment of the film will require a different atmosphere (luxurious, cozy, or industrial). We create a detailed list of props needed to bring the space to life.
• On-site survey: This is the most crucial step to ensure feasibility. The team will conduct on-site inspections to check the floor area, sunlight direction at different times of the day, backup power sources, and especially the environmental noise level. A beautiful location that is too noisy or lacks access for bulky equipment will be rejected to ensure the project's success. feel at ease for customers.
• Art Design and Layout: For indoor or studio settings, Right Media will create 2D/3D drawings simulating the placement of furniture and planned camera angles. This helps clients clearly visualize the final product before proceeding with the actual setup.
• Set Dressing and Setup: The logistics team will install lighting, paint, or arrange even the smallest items (vases, books, pictures) to bring the setting to life. Every detail is carefully considered. dedicated To accurately reflect the brand's personality.
• Test camera angle and lighting: Before the official filming day, we conduct test shots to check the harmony between the actors and the setting. This helps to detect errors early, such as unwanted shadows or a cluttered background, allowing for timely adjustments to optimize the official filming time.

Behind the scenes of Right Media's Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park project.

Legal and logistical considerations when choosing a location.

Choosing a filming location is not just about aesthetics; it's also a complex problem of risk management and logistics. Even the most beautiful location can jeopardize a project if it lacks the following elements:

• Legal aspects and ownership: This is a top priority. Always ensure you have a location rental agreement or filming permit issued by the relevant authorities or the site owner. This helps avoid the risk of filming being suspended midway, wasting the crew's budget and time. At Right Media, this is our priority. transparent In legal proceedings, context is always paramount.
• Logistics and support facilities: An ideal filming location needs to have a parking area for the film crew, separate spaces for actors' makeup and costume changes, and a rest area for clients. In addition, checking whether the electrical grid can handle the high-power lights is crucial to avoid fires or power outages during filming.
• Logic and consistency: The setting must accurately reflect real life. For example, the office of a CEO of a large corporation cannot be too cramped or lack the typical equipment of that industry. Inconsistencies between the setting and the script will reduce the video's credibility in the eyes of the audience.
• Backup Plan: For outdoor shoots, there's always a backup plan in case of bad weather. Right Media typically prepares backup studios or adjusts the filming schedule flexibly to ensure that the final product delivery to partners is not affected.

The filming location is the foundation of a quality visual work. Whether it's a small corner in an office or a vast square, every detail in the frame requires careful planning and sharp artistic thinking. Investing in the setting is investing in the emotions and experiences of the audience, helping to elevate your brand value. If you are looking for a video production partner who is not only technically strong but also meticulous and professional in every detail of the space, let us help you. Right Media We'll be with you.