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From first glance to final location: master the art and science of film, TV, and commercial scouting
In just two days, discover why Edinburgh’s historic streets, dramatic skyline, and timeless architecture make it one of the world’s most iconic period locations - and master the art of scouting them for screen production.
A dynamic mix of theory and hands-on practice, this course provides participants with the framework to excel in any scouting role within the locations department for film, TV, and commercials. It blends the art of the eye and heart with the science of process, equipping you to visualise, plan, and execute location scouting with confidence and creativity, ensuring you meet the needs of the production.
The course is ideal for those who already have some scouting experience in film and TV and are looking to understand how to organise and prepare the best scouting. The course is also a good introduction for those wanting to get started in location scouting.
To get the most out of the course, participants should bring their own camera or camera phone and laptop.
The course is led by Lloret MacKenna Dunn, a freelance Supervising Location Manager, who has worked for over 25 years in Scotland's Film and TV sector on a diverse range of productions including The Great Beyond (Warner), Del Toro’s Frankenstein, Mary & George for Sky, Stephen Frears The Lost King, Netflix Eurovision, Fire Saga and T2 Trainspotting.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the basic principles of photography
- Take photographs of a location
- Use photo sharing sites such as Dropbox/Smugmug
- Understand and interpret the brief
- Research and assess locations for suitability
- Package and present locations
- Use Google Maps and Google Earth as a scouting aid
- Understand the most common architectural styles and influences of periods of history
- Start to build a location photograph library
- Complete a script breakdown for locations including identifying any potential problems/ needs
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. An interest in working in the location department in film and TV is required.
Freelance Rate: £365
Corporate Rate: £700
Bursaries, supported by Screen Scotland, to contribute to the costs of attending this course may be available to those who are eligible. Please read the bursary guidelines which are published below first to check if you are eligible. If you are eligible, please indicate if you are also applying for a bursary or not.
Please apply as far in advance of the course date as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing a supported place, as we may not be able to accommodate all applications.
Your bursary application and supporting documents should be sent to scotland@nfts.co.uk after submitting this application form. Please submit your bursary application within 24 hours to ensure your course place is reserved while your bursary application is processed – otherwise we may be required to release it to another applicant. Your bursary documents are reviewed by a panel and we aim to be in touch as soon as possible with an outcome for you.
NFTS Scotland Bursary Guidelines
NFTS Scotland Bursary Application Form
If you are not eligible for an NFTS Scotland bursary, please read our Alternative Funding Avenues document, which points you in the direction of a few other places which may be able to help. Please submit your application in plenty of time as timescales for funders differ.
Please complete the application form to apply.
If you need any help, please contact NFTS Scotland on 0141 729 8190 or scotland@nfts.co.uk
