Here’s a useful guide to common industry terms to help you feel confident when hosting or booking a shoot location…

If you are new to location shoots, the industry jargon can sometimes feel a little confusing. Whether you’re a homeowner hosting your first production or a producer securing the perfect space, understanding the key terms can make the process much smoother. To help demystify the lingo, we’ve put together a handy glossary of essential shoot terminology. From prep days to pencils, these are the words and phrases you’ll hear often, and what they actually mean…

Recce: A preliminary visit by the location scout or production team to assess the location’s suitability for the shoot, including lighting, access, and logistics.

Tech Recce: A detailed site visit conducted after confirming the location. This focuses on planning technical aspects such as camera angles, lighting setups, and equipment placement.

First Option/First Pencil: This indicates that a production has reserved a location for specific dates but hasn’t yet confirmed the booking. The location owner agrees to hold the dates for this production as a priority.

Second Option/Second Pencil: If another production is interested in the same dates as a first option, they are put on a second option. If the first option doesn’t confirm, the second option gets the opportunity to book.

Prep Day: This refers to the time allocated before the actual shoot begins for setting up the location. Prep days often involve fewer hours and crew members than the shoot itself, and therefore a reduce fee.

Strike Day: The process of dismantling equipment, restoring spaces used to their original condition and clearing the location once the shoot is complete.

Unit Base: The unit base is the designated area where the production team sets up while filming on location, typically used for large-scale productions. It acts as the operational hub for cast, crew, and equipment. Unit bases are often located in car parks, fields, or large empty buildings near the main shoot site, buy can also be apartments or houses.

Location Scout: A location scout is usually a freelancer tasked with finding locations that match a client’s creative brief. This could range from a specific outdoor feature to a unique property that isn’t listed with a location agency. This is who will typically be attending a recce. Scouts are expected to consider both the visual requirements and the practicalities, such as access, lighting, and space, when putting forward suggestions.

Location Manager: A location manager is hired by a production company to oversee the locations needed for a shoot. Working to a specific brief and budget, they are responsible for sourcing and shortlisting suitable options, securing permissions, and handling all the necessary logistics. This includes communicating with neighbours or local authorities when required, coordinating the setup and clear-down, and ensuring the location is left in good condition. Throughout the shoot, they act as the main liaison between the production and the location owner.

Knowing these key terms not only helps set expectations but also makes communication clearer between location owners and production teams. At Fresh Locations, we’re here to make the whole process feel straightforward and stress-free. If you’re ever unsure about any part of a booking, or if you need help finding the perfect location for your shoot, our team is always happy to help. Get in touch and we’ll guide you every step of the way.

If you have further questions about hosting your first shoot as a newly registered location, check out our article Rent Your House for Filming: The Ultimate Guide, where we address common queries from homeowners just starting out.