Location Scout Services
Finding perfect locations across Saudi Arabia.
A location scout finds and reviews filming sites. They match each site to a production's creative, tech, and logistical needs. They photograph and log each one. They check access, light, sound, and permit odds. A good scout sees both look value and practical fit. This saves big time during pre-production.
We connect you with skilled location scouts. They blend a strong visual sense with careful practical checks. Our network has pros who know many landscapes, city sites, and build style spaces. They are ready to find the perfect setting for your shoot.
ACT 01
Capabilities
Location Scouting Expertise
We connect you with skilled location scouts. They find, log, and lock the perfect locations for your shoot. They cover iconic landmarks and hidden gems across France.
01
Location Research
- Brief analysis
- Database search
- Site identification
- Visual matching
- Alternative options
Research Excellence
02
Site Surveys
- Photo documentation
- Video walkthroughs
- Technical assessment
- Access evaluation
- Logistical review
Detailed Surveys
03
Permit Coordination
- Permission requests
- Authority liaison
- Fee negotiation
- Contract preparation
- Compliance guidance
Permit Expertise
04
Local Knowledge
- Hidden gems
- Insider access
- Regional expertise
- Seasonal awareness
- Alternative routing
Local Insight
ACT 02
Why Us
Why Choose Our Location Scouts
01.
Saudi Arabia Specialists
Deep knowledge of sites across every part of Saudi Arabia.
02.
Extensive Database
A curated database of proven sites for each shoot's need.
03.
Owner Relationships
Set up connections with property owners and authorities.
04.
Production Understanding
Scouts who know tech and creative needs.
On Location
Saudi location scouting — AlUla Nabataean, Empty Quarter, NEOM futurist, Riyadh CBD, Jeddah Al-Balad
Our Saudi location scouts deliver tech-scout packages across the kingdom's top filming geography. AlUla / Hegra / Madain Salih (UNESCO 2008) Nabataean rock-cut tombs and red-sandstone canyons (Kandahar 2023 Gerard Butler dir. Ric Roman Waugh, Desert Warrior 2024 Anthony Mackie dir. Rupert Wyatt, Cherry Apple TV+, Hellraiser plates 2022, Born a King 2019), Diriyah Al-Turaif (UNESCO 2010) mud-brick Najdi Salmani build style, historic Jeddah Al-Balad (UNESCO 2014) Hejazi coral-stone Rawasheen district, Edge of the World (Jebel Fihrayn, 1hr from Riyadh) cliff-face, Empty Quarter / Rub' al Khali dune fields, Red Sea coast (Farasan Islands, Sharma, NEOM coastline, Yanbu), Asir Mountains + Abha highlands Qatt Al-Asiri tradition, Riyadh CBD (Kingdom Centre Tower, Al Faisaliah, KAFD, Boulevard, JAX District), Jeddah Corniche + King Fahd Fountain, and NEOM (Sindalah opened Oct 2024, The Line, Trojena, Oxagon). Tech scout deliverables have 360 photo packs, drone aerial reels (GACA pre-cleared), sun-path / golden-hour analysis, base-camp setup, 4x4 access routes, and Visit Saudi marketing partnership co-promotion potential.
Permit access splits across bodies. The Saudi Film Commission (Ministry of Culture) leads overall. The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) covers all AlUla shoots. The NEOM authority covers the NEOM SEZ. Add the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), the Saudi Heritage Commission for UNESCO sites, Ministry of Interior security clearances on sensitive zones, and GACA for aerial / drone scouts (uas.gaca.gov.sa). Mecca and Medina stay off-limits. Scouts must be Muslim with a permit. Non-Muslim crew may not enter the Haram. Climate scouting: the October-April window is ideal (15-30°C). June-September runs to 45-50°C extreme, so heat-management base camps are a must. AlUla has cool desert nights in winter (5-10°C). The Red Sea coast hits 70-90% humid in summer. Spring brings sandstorm (haboob) season protocols. Prayer-time pauses run five times daily, Friday ~12:00-13:30, with Ramadan iftar-to-suhoor 9pm-2am production windows. Compliance covers GCAM type, GOSI payroll, 15% VAT, and Saudization Nitaqat quotas (5% rebates uplift on the Cultural Development Fund's 40% cash rebates), plus Ministry of Human Resources work permits. There is no home Saudi location-scout union. The global Location Managers Guild / Teamsters Local 399 work via Dubai EPS bureaus.
ACT 03
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a location scout do?
A location scout researches, visits, and photographs filming sites. Each site must match a production's creative needs. The scout checks visual fit, logistics, access, and permit odds. They then present options to the director and team with full records.
What skills should a location scout have?
A location scout needs a keen photographic eye. They need strong knowledge of local geography and build style. They need sharp research and deal-making skills. They must know what a film crew needs on site. This means power access, parking, noise levels, and light at each time of day.
What types of productions need a location scout?
Feature films, TV series, commercials, and music videos all need scouting when they shoot on real locations. Any shoot outside a studio gains from a scout. A good scout finds sites that serve the story. They also meet logistical and budget needs.
How do you match a location scout to my production?
We check your visual needs, the sites you want, and your shoot schedule. Then we suggest scouts who know those areas well. We favor scouts who have set up ties with property owners. We also favor those with ties to local permit authorities.
Can a location scout also manage locations during the shoot?
Scouting and location management are linked but separate roles. A scout finds and presents options. A location manager handles permits, contracts, logistics, and on-set plans. Some pros do both. We can advise if your project needs one role or both.
Related Services
Related Support Roles
ACT 04 — On Set
Need a Location Scout?
Let's find the perfect locations for your production.