Location Scouting - Be Prepared!

As you may or may not know, our last attempt at filming the golf sequence didn't exacty pan out. In a nutshell, all eggs were placed in one basket and the shoot was planned around a location, sight unseen. After checking out the site, it was clear that another location was needed ASAP! The leson learned: Get the locations first, then plan the shoots. So, what is the best way to select locations for a video shoot? That is a very good question. I've given it some thought, and here's what I've come up with:

1) Don't limit your choices to one location. Have several, just in case one location doesn't work out.
2) Get photos in advance. Don't go to a location without knowing what it looks like well in advance. This will save
time, money and dissappointment.
3) Get permission to scout and possibly film at the location; and make sure the powers-that-be at each site are
comfortable with the idea of a production.

Today I scouted the golf and horseback riding locations. 170 miles later, I'm extremely happy with all of the locations that were inspected.

WASATCH MOUNTAIN COURSE - HOLE 16


Following the golf course inspections, we travelled to Alpine, Utah. The horseback riding sequence requires a beautiful backdrop, and I think we found just that.

LAMBERT PARK - ALPINE, UTAH


Lambert Park has great road access, which will allow for some interesting and (hopefully) dynamic tracking shots with the talent (horse and human). The golf shoot will take place next Thursday and horseback riding will follow on Saturday. Sunday, we shoot kayaking near Brighton Ski Resort. I'll update the blog as the shooting dates draw closer.

Today's Shoot Cancelled!

Alright, I have to admit that Thanksgiving Point is not the most ideal location for our golfing sequence. I had reservations about the course, but thought we might be alright. During my conversation with Jeff, it hit me. Like bolt of lighting. TG is not the place and I certainly don't want to settle. If we're spending the time to capture high quality video, our locations should be the cream of the crop. Here are some examples of why the course (although well kept) isn't very ideal for our shoot.
Sure, the green is nice, but check out the horizon.
Power lines, dead brush, sorry Thanksgiving Point, your horizon doesn't match the beauty of your fairways.
Development Hell.

So, now we're looking at other courses. Better locations to shoot the golf sequence. We're in Utah, there has to be a more beautiful alternative.

Long Time, No Tee!

9th Hole.

I realize it's been far too long since the last production update. For that, I am truly sorry. Apology said, here is the latest on the Adaptive Sports Video, tentatively titled Take Two. Tanja and I faced bumper-to-bumper traffic in our quest to see Thanksgiving Point's infamous fairways.

Tanja is a fantastic golf cart driver. Fantastic!

Lost and raining.



Finding a visually appealing location was difficult, but I think we narrowed it down to one hole. Number 9, Number 9. While the Point's fairways are beautiful, the horizon beyond isn't...beautiful. Gravel pits, church steeples and rampant development clutter the otherwise scenic skyline.

Sunday we shoot the golf sequence, weather permitting. We have two tee times booked so that we won't interfere with anyone's game. This will be sport number five of 33.