When you’re looking for locations for your project, it’s imperative that you find the right ones. The last thing that you want is to have to settle for something less than you want, simply because you can’t find the perfect location. The good news is that there are companies out there who can assist you with this, and these film location agencies will make sure that you are able to get exactly what you want.
But, you don’t just want to work with anyone, you want to work with the best of the best. Locations Direct has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s leading film location agencies, and as such we’re going to be taking a look at them. In this review, we’re going to be looking at all aspects of this company, and giving our honest opinion on whether they are worth the hype. So, if you would like to find out more, feel free to read on.
Who Are Locations Direct?
Locations Direct is a location agency that was started to help creatives, and companies bring their vision to life. They understand that it’s imperative to find the perfect backdrop for your projects, assisting you in bringing that vision out of your head, and into the real world.
They have expertise in the industry that is almost unmatched by anyone else, and as such they have managed to build up an extensive library of locations for people to choose from. But, they didn’t want to limit what they could offer, so they ensured that their business is open to a diverse range of people. Whether you’re a production company, a filmmaker, a photographer, or anyone else, they will help you find what you need.
What Can They Offer?
They offer you the ability to take all of the stress and struggle out of the scouting process. As many of you will already know, this is one of the worst parts of the entire creative process – trying to find the perfect place to shoot. But, with Locations Direct on your side, it’s not anything that you have to worry about anymore.
Locations Direct are able to offer you a one-stop shop solution to all of your location requirements by having a large, diverse range of locations for you to shoot at. Whether you’re looking for a home backdrop, an urban cityscape, or a beautiful natural backdrop, this company can help you find it all.
We also want to point out that with this company it’s not just about finding locations. They have spent years building up their portfolio and their relationships with property managers and owners throughout the UK. As such, they are now able to offer access to locations that are not easily accessible to the general public. You won’t find anyone with better relationships across the board, and therefore the best offerings.
What Did We Like About Them?
We have to say, one of the things that we liked the most about Locations Direct is their dual booking system. Where some agencies only focus on traditional agent support or direct host bookings, this company offers both. This sets them apart from others in the industry, as you can tell that they are doing everything in their power to offer their clients everything in a nice little wrapped up bow. By offering this flexibility, they are providing their clients with everything that they could ask for.
As well as this, the fact that they are able to offer exclusive locations also gives them a competitive edge. There are not many agencies that have spent so many years cultivating relationships with hosts to be able to say that they are now able to offer exclusive sites, many of which the general public would struggle to gain access to.
They have also thought about those who need help finding what they need quickly, with a quick turnaround time, or a short-notice booking need. The new direct booking platform that they have on offer allows clients of this agency to book directly with their own user account. This takes a load of hassle out of the process, and also assists those who may be restricted in terms of their budget to get what they need.
What Did We Not Like?
Now, of course, we need to look at the downsides as all businesses have them. One of the things that we dislike the most is that there is no guarantee that the location you want is going to be booked. While they have a large library and a large range of properties, whether you can book a location heavily depends on your needs, the timing, and whether the space is already booked. There have been reports of double booking in the past, so just double check before you book.
As well as this, some hosts have been known to be slightly disruptive to the process. You know as well as we do how much planning and thought needs to go into film production, whether it’s a short advertisement, or a part of a film. As such, having hosts getting in the way can be massively time consuming and expensive, especially if it’s for more than just a minute. To avoid this, ensure that hosts are not going to be on the site while you are using it.
Final Thoughts
So, when it comes down to it, would we recommend Locations Direct as a film location agency for you to use? We definitely would. They are a strong team of individuals that have an expensive location library, ensuring that you are able to film in a place that is suited to your project. With dual booking flexibility, and a team that will do just about anything to get you what you want, it’s a fantastic company that should definitely make the short list. The customer service is second to none, and you will struggle to find another company with a library that is so full and diverse anywhere else.