Filming On a Soundstage vs. On Location

When you are engrossed in your favorite movie, you are likely thinking much more about the characters and story lines than production values such as where it was filmed. But for producers and directors, the question of whether to shoot on a soundstage or in an actual locale is an important decision.
Cost
Shooting on a soundstage can be very expensive depending on the city, the length of the project and even the time of year. Some studios charge as much as $1,000 per day for the use of their facilities, especially in high demand areas such as Hollywood. There is also the additional cost of building all the sets from scratch. Everything from the furniture to the lighting to the scenic backdrops must be created and installed.
Shooting on location can also be expensive but it often turns out to be more cost effective. A scout location can work with a city government or building owner to negotiate a fair rate, and the set backgrounds are already in place and ready to go.
Control
Having total control of the elements of a scene is usually quite important to a director. This is something that needs to be taken into account when choosing where to film. A soundstage is a closed set where the temperature, noise level and quality of light can be manipulated at will. Outdoor locations, unfamiliar territory and public places inherently contain an element of unpredictability. Something as simple as a change in the weather can delay a shoot for hours, wasting valuable time and money.
Authenticity
Another factor for movie makers to consider in this situation is the matter of authenticity. How much attention to detail does the film setting call for? An elaborate car chase scene, for example, requires real streets and traffic. On the other hand, if most of the scenes consist of dialogue between two people in a jail cell, it is much easier to recreate the atmosphere in an artificial setting.
The next time you are enjoying a new flick, take the time to notice the details in the background. You may be surprised to find out that what you thought was a real location was in fact a bit of movie magic, obtained through the use of a few props and skillfully designed scenic backdrops.





The next time you are enjoying a new flick, take the time to notice the details in the background. You may be surprised to find out that what you thought was a real location was in fact a bit of movie magic, obtained through the use of a few props and skillfully designed scenic backdrops.