How To Successfully Scout For Film & TV
Hosted by Tim Moshansky

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Tim Moshansky

Webinar hosted by: Tim Moshansky

Film and TV Location Scout at Director's Guild of Canada - BC

Tim Moshansky has been a Location Scout since 1995 in Vancouver, BC, aka “Hollywood North.” He has worked on hundreds of productions and scouted everything from the tops of mountains and luxury homes and penthouses to tunnels, alleys, cityscapes, towns, streets, roads – you name it. Tim has worked on films such as The Revenant, Twilight Saga: New Moon, Alcatraz, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, Fifty Shades of Grey. Tim is a member of the Director’s Guild of Canada and is the author of the bestselling book, A to Z Guide to Film Terms, which has sold over 25,000 copies to date and is considered the “bible” of the industry. For more information on Tim, visit his homepage here. Some of Tim’s credits on his IMDB page. Full Bio »

Webinar Summary

Learn directly from Tim Moshansky, a 20 year location scout who has worked on hundreds of films and TV shows including The Revenant, Twilight Saga: New Moon, Fifty Shades of Grey, and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem!

There are two things that a production starts doing as soon as they have the “green light” - casting for actors and scouting for locations. In a way, a location scout is like a casting director for locations.

Unless a film is shot entirely in a studio with sets or green screen, locations are integral to how the film will look. Anyone can become a location scout, but to become a GREAT scout that people call again and again takes a keen eye, good people and photography skills, and on-the-ground experience.

In this webinar Tim Moshansky will guide you through the entire process of scouting - from the moment you get the script or storyboards, to when they call “Action!” on set. Tim will offer you tips and insights from his nearly 20 years of scouting experience.

Whether you are someone considering a career as a scout, or a filmmaker looking for ways to increase your production value and anticipate potential location problems, this is the webinar that will help you learn the basics about scouting.

This webinar includes FREE bonus materials for download!:

  • Locations Release
  • Location Agreement
  • Location Breakdown
  • Script Breakdown

What You'll Learn

  • “Who’s Your Boss?” - Getting the call from a Location Manager, Production Manager or Producer to begin Scouting.
  • The Assignment - What Locations are they looking for? When does it shoot? What is the Story Line? How much Prep Time do they have?
  • Equipment Needed - An overview of Cameras, Tripods, Laptops, Apps, Websites and more
  • Skill set required of a Scout
  • How to break down a script
  • How to do your homework before “hitting the pavement”
  • Architectural Styles
  • Use your “Spidey Senses” - Why Internet Research and Google Street View can be helpful but not enough.
  • The Cold Call: Knocking on the door and the first things to say to a homeowner
  • Getting Permission from Property Owners
  • Working with and getting help from Local Film Commissions
  • Understanding Municipal and Federal Laws and Permits
  • Photography Tips and How To Present Photos of a Location
  • How hiring an experienced Scout is worth every penny to a filmmaker
  • Working with Directors and Producers
  • Production Designers - Keeping them happy and finding out what they need
  • The differences between Commercials, TV movies, TV Series and Feature Films
  • Big Budget to No Budget – Challenges and approaches to each
  • Director Scouts and Tech Surveys
  • Saving money and gaining Production Value by using Local Scouts
  • Get to Know your local area landmarks and “go to” locations, i.e. -“The Usual Suspects”
  • Deal Memos, Daily Rates, Expenses and Getting Paid – What to do before you start to make sure you don’t get screwed.
  • Terminology of Scouting and Film Production
  • Getting Your Foot in the Door – how to become a Scout even if you’ve never done it before
  • Recorded, in-depth Q&A session with Tim!

About Your Instructor

Tim Moshansky has been a Location Scout since 1995 in Vancouver, BC, aka “Hollywood North.” He has worked on hundreds of productions and scouted everything from the tops of mountains and luxury homes and penthouses to tunnels, alleys, cityscapes, towns, streets, roads – you name it. Tim has worked on films such as The Revenant, Twilight Saga: New Moon, Alcatraz, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, Fifty Shades of Grey. Tim is a member of the Director’s Guild of Canada and is the author of the bestselling book, A to Z Guide to Film Terms, which has sold over 25,000 copies to date and is considered the “bible” of the industry.

For more information on Tim, visit his homepage here.

Some of Tim’s credits on his IMDB page.

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Reviews Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5

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Having been a completion producer for a bond company, I have seen too many producers who were let down in the producing process by so-called-professionals who offered support at the on-set of a production, but then failed to deliver when needed. Viviana and her company Three Point Capital have an excellent reputation, and her counsel provided in the class solidified that. I highly recommend both Viviana and Stage 32 Education!" -Patricia C.   "Viviana was personable, professional, interesting, interested, and a wealth of knowledge and useful information. I will take every opportunity to learn from her. She was patient and polite with every question and always clear with what she knew, what she thought, what she believed, and what she didn't know. She painted pictures and delivered facts, outlining the paths she has seen successful producers take while still encouraging all to pursue their art with a greater knowledge of the business and understanding of the challenges and potential pitfalls." -Randy G.   "As someone who was totally new to the world of film financing, trying to learn about the process by myself was intimidating to put it lightly. Viviana clearly explains the film financing process step-by-step and demystifies the complex, bespoke nature of pre-sales, tax credits, sales agents, and so much more. I feel infinitely more confident in my ability to produce a film thanks to this class. I give it the highest possible recommendation for any independent filmmaker looking to finance their film and take their projects to the next level." -Sean R.   "Viviana has a tremendous depth and range of knowledge about film financing and she was happy to share everything she knew. Thanks to her loose, attentive style for the class, it ranged far and wide, and she answered a lot of people’s questions whether they were general or specific to their own projects. And I feel like there was value for all of us in even the most project-specific questions." -Randy V.

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