One reliable option is to use location databases, which are run by commercial location agencies as well as by non-commercial institutions such as film commissions. In these databases you can search for suitable filming locations and contacts will be provided to negotiate with. With these location suggestions, you can be almost certain that filming is possible and therefore you can avoid unwanted surprises when coordinating with the location owner or focusing on the logistic preparation. However, these locations are often not new and were previously seen in other films or series.

This disadvantage does not apply if the production itself is actively looking for possible locations. In many cases, a location scout will be tasked with this. He or she will look for details from the set designer and the location manager and share his or her finds with them. During this period, it is important to ensure that the proposals are not only based on artistic considerations, but also on other essential factors. In addition to artistic suitability, this means considering logistical and spatial suitability and the willingness of the location owner to allow filming at affordable costs.

But that's not all. In the location search, it must also be ensured that the sets can be combined harmoniously - if the film locations are all in proximity, it increases the flexibility of the shooting schedule. If you ignore logical considerations from the outset, you may end up with a location selected by the director that turns out to be inadequate or unrealistic. This is a very unpleasant situation which can be exacerbated by the associated loss of time leading to a serious crisis.