Let’s start by stating the obvious: location scouting is a profession undergoing significant transformation. With AI making breakthroughs across industries, location scouting is no exception. While this profession will likely persist for quite some time, several factors are poised to reshape its future. The advent of greenscreen technology combined with AI and CGI is set to revolutionize the industry. What we currently view as advanced technology, accessible only to major studios, will likely become affordable for smaller-budget productions in the future. Eventually, using real locations and actors might even become a selling point for larger studios, emphasizing the authenticity of their productions. However, there are compelling reasons why location scouts will continue to play a vital role in filmmaking, even in an AI-driven future: Human Creativity and Judgment: While AI can analyze data and suggest locations, it lacks the nuanced understanding and creative intuition of a human scout. A location scout brings a unique perspective, connecting a director's vision with the perfect setting in ways an algorithm cannot replicate. Practical On-Site Logistics: Location scouting isn’t just about finding visually appealing spots; it also involves assessing accessibility, permits, lighting conditions, and other logistical aspects that AI tools cannot fully evaluate remotely. The Emotional Connection of Real Locations: Real-world locations offer emotional depth and authenticity that CGI often struggles to replicate. Audiences can feel the difference, and directors frequently prefer settings that evoke genuine emotional resonance. Emerging Hybrid Roles: As AI technology evolves, location scouts may adapt into hybrid professionals, leveraging AI as a tool while managing the critical human aspects of scouting. This adaptation could enhance their value rather than diminish it. Public Engagement and Visibility: Visible productions in real-world settings help maintain the mystique of filmmaking. Public interactions with on-location filming sustain interest and enthusiasm for movies, keeping the magic of cinema alive. The Role of Artistic Advocacy: Many creative professionals—such as directors, cinematographers, and production designers—have expressed a strong desire not to be replaced by AI. Their artistic contributions are deeply tied to real-world locations and the organic storytelling they facilitate. Additionally, unions and advocacy groups will likely fight to safeguard their creative rights, ensuring AI tools are used to support rather than replace human creativity. Economic Influence of Location-Based Filming: Many countries and cities recognize the significant economic impact of hosting film productions and actively encourage location-based filmmaking to boost tourism and local economies. When a film showcases a region’s unique landscapes or cultural landmarks, it often results in increased interest and visitor traffic. Governments and municipalities frequently offer tax incentives, grants, and logistical support to attract filmmakers. This symbiotic relationship between the film industry and local economies ensures that real-world locations remain a key element of cinematic storytelling. However, this does not exclude the possibility that in the future, cities and countries might opt to purchase AI-generated content that prominently features their landmarks and regions instead of hosting physical productions. One aspect worth considering is that moving entirely into CGI studios isn’t entirely positive for the film industry. Film production has always carried an air of mystique, and this should remain part of its appeal. Productions need to maintain visibility to the public to preserve this intrigue. In time, as the novelty of AI and CGI wears off, we may find ourselves longing for the artistry of real-world filmmaking. Sure, it might be fun to watch a soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester City performed by avatars, but by the second game, much of the excitement would likely fade. In Summary AI is an incredible tool, and when there’s money to be saved, it’s hard to say no. However, human expertise, creative intuition, and the emotional power of real-world locations will ensure that location scouts remain an integral part of the filmmaking process. Additionally, the advocacy of creative professionals and their unions will play a crucial role in safeguarding the artistic integrity of film production. Let’s hope filmmakers use AI to cut costs in practical areas, freeing up resources to invest in the creative elements that are often overlooked today.

Leveraging AI for Advanced Location Budgeting: Insights for Industry Experts Budgeting for location costs is a recurring challenge in the production industry, and as those of us working in the field know all too well, location budgets are often underestimated or contain significant errors. This misalignment is frequently due to a lack of understanding by production companies of the many factors influencing costs. The Intricacies of Location Costs Location costs are influenced by numerous variables such as supply and demand, the owner’s willingness to rent, geography, seasonality, and more. Calculating all these parameters manually is a time-intensive process that is often bypassed in favor of standardized estimates. While this approach can work reasonably well for experienced budget planners, it leaves room for error and missed opportunities. AI as a Budgeting Ally Imagine a production company maintaining a simple, regularly updated database of rented locations. This database could include data points such as: Type of property Date and duration of the rental Season Type of production Such a database could be used as input for an AI system, which would analyze the data and provide valuable budgeting insights for future projects. For example, let’s say you need to budget for a five-room apartment in southern Stockholm for 10 days. You start by asking the AI: “What would it cost to rent a five-room apartment in southern Stockholm for 10 days?” Then, you attach a dataset—perhaps an Excel file containing relevant information. The AI uses the data to provide a qualified estimate of the cost, factoring in historical trends, seasonal demand, and other relevant variables. Practical Applications The AI’s output can serve not only as a budgeting tool but also as a foundation for negotiations. By understanding the estimated costs more comprehensively, location managers can confidently advocate for their budgets. It is critical to ensure that all data used complies with GDPR regulations. A simple solution is to anonymize data by removing personal identifiers before analysis. Enhancing the Database Once the database is in place, additional parameters can be incorporated to further refine cost predictions. These might include: Police permit fees Municipal rental costs Expenses for green rooms or parking AI could then provide a comprehensive budget that accounts for all associated costs, reducing the likelihood of unexpected expenses. Building Confidence Through Iteration AI is not infallible. Its accuracy depends on the quality and completeness of the data it analyzes. By building a robust database project by project, production companies can ensure that their AI tool becomes an increasingly powerful asset over time. Future Integration Looking ahead, AI’s potential goes beyond budgeting. It’s likely that AI will integrate directly into financial systems, pulling data automatically for advanced budget planning. By starting routine data collection today, your company can position itself at the forefront of AI-driven production workflows. Take the First Step Start a discussion within your company about how AI could be leveraged to streamline your operations. By establishing a culture of systematic data collection, you’ll soon be reaping the benefits of AI-powered insights. The future of production budgeting is here, and those who adopt these tools early will lead the industry forward.