# Tech scout

Source: https://storiara.com/glossary/tech-scout
Last updated: 2026-09-14
Author: Spencer Kaufman, Storiara

> A tech scout is a visit to the chosen filming locations, usually in the last week or two of prep, by the director, 1st AD, and department heads. At each location they walk through the scenes and plan camera positions, lighting and power, grip rigging, set dressing, sound problems, parking, base camp, and safety, so each department can finalize its orders.

## What happens at each stop

The [1st AD](https://storiara.com/roles/first-assistant-director) runs the scout from the schedule, and at each location the group walks the scenes in shooting order. At Rosie's Diner the conversation sounds like this:

| Department | Question answered on the scout |
|---|---|
| Director and DP | Master for sc. 14 from the kitchen door; Maya's single needs the booth pulled out 2 ft |
| Gaffer | House panel can't carry the lighting package; generator in rear lot, cable run through kitchen door, 150 ft |
| Key grip | Blackout on the west windows for the afternoon; dolly track fits along the counter |
| Production designer | Replace menu boards, repaint the counter front, dress the booths |
| Sound mixer | Ask owner to switch off walk-in fridge during takes; bus route will need wild lines |
| Location manager | Owner wants the kitchen off limits after 6 PM; confirm fire safety officer for rain rig |
| Transportation | Trucks in rear lot, honeywagon on side street (needs posting), crew parking at the church lot |
| 1st AD | Holding for 12 background in the banquet room; lunch at the church hall |

The list becomes each department's action items for the last week of prep.

## Timing

Tech scouts happen once locations are locked and the [shooting schedule](https://storiara.com/glossary/shooting-schedule) is close to final, usually late in prep. Go at the time of day you'll shoot when possible, or use a sun-path app and the [sunrise and sunset planner](https://storiara.com/tools/sunrise-sunset-planner). Night exteriors are worth a separate look after dark.

## What tends to get missed

The bathroom count and a place for crew to eat come up far too late on many productions. So does the load-in path: an elevator that's too small for the dolly, stairs with no landing. Noise sources that only run on weekdays or at certain hours, like school bells, trash pickup, and flight paths, don't show up on a Saturday scout. And agreements from the scout ("owner will switch off the fridge") need to go back to the location manager to put in writing in the [location agreement](https://storiara.com/glossary/location-agreement).

## After the scout

The 1st AD adjusts the schedule for anything the scout changed, departments place final equipment orders, and the location department files any additional [parking permits](https://storiara.com/glossary/parking-permit) and updates the [film permit](https://storiara.com/glossary/film-permit) with generator and truck positions. Many productions add a tech scout line to their [pre-production checklist](https://storiara.com/templates/pre-production-checklist) with a sign-off per department.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who goes on a tech scout?

Usually the director, producer or UPM, 1st AD, DP, gaffer, key grip, production designer, location manager, sound mixer, and transportation captain or coordinator. Depending on the show, the stunt coordinator, SFX supervisor, and VFX supervisor join for the relevant locations.

### How long does a tech scout take?

It depends on the number of locations and the driving. A small feature might tech scout all locations in one or two long days, with the group in a single van. Budget time at each location for every department to get its questions answered.

### What's the difference between a location scout and a tech scout?

A location scout looks for and chooses locations. A tech scout happens after they're chosen, and it's about planning how to shoot there.