Importance of Recce

Importance of Recce

A film is shot in different kind of locations which can be indoor, or outdoor, in a greenroom, or in any real location. But during the pre production stage it's very essential for finding an appropriate place for shooting the film, and make it possible for the director's vision to come in reality. So for this particular stage 'Recce' is taken place. We have already spoken about the Location Manager who is en-charge of the responsibility for the location to be arranged before the date of the shoot, and during the 'Recce', a director, producer, production designer, cinematographer, and the location manager visits the specific location to see how will it support the film's scene. A recce is done for visual observation, and to also especially to point of potential problems which can occur during the shoot. Now for shooting in a location which is out of our control (outdoor), it's very vital to make sure that the place chosen for shooting the film won't over rule and come in between the shoot as a distraction. There are various potential problems which can occur such as, the weather conditions, the external distractions, like for example if there is a construction being taken place, the noise can distract your shoot, the electricity problems, such as if your shooting in a village how often there will be electricity problems, as your equipment's need to be charged, and generators can later be arranged, and many more. Shooting outdoor is tough, and a challenge as well because mother nature is unaware of the importance and money of the film. A recce is also done according to the film's budget. If it is selected, then only the Location Manager arranges it according to the schedule of the film. A production designer ensures that if sets need to be made for example, how spacious the area is, and every detail is checked such as the measurement of the ground, the space available in the area, and so on. Whereas on the other hand the director, and the cinematographer looks at the location for showing how the shots will be translated on screen, with the director deciding if he/she is satisfied or not with the area.
Looking at the lighting availability, the facilities, and overall aesthetics the location will be selected as well. Basically the examination of what can effect your particular location is known as 'Risk Assessment'. So during the recce the Risk assessment is also taken place.   Hence, Recce is an essential part of the pre production stage, and can help in a way to save your time, money, and have a perfect location for the film scene to enhance as well.