SUMMARY

This research provides insight into the uses of remote sensing and geospatial information systems (GIS) for film location scouting & management. Remote sensing is the use of imagery (from a satellite or airplane) to make geographic observations and GIS is the processing of spatial data for purposes of mapping, statistics and analysis. I will discuss the current cutting edge technology available to location scouts and talk about the exciting direction that technology is heading. I will focus on three different themes: location restoration, finding a certain aesthetic/look, and environmental conservation. My methodologies, results and discussions for each theme can be viewed on the following tabs.

LOCATION RESTORATION

It is in the best interest of the film location managers to ensure that a location is treated with respect. If a production destroys a location, it creates bad press and can have costly repercussions. It can affect future working relationships; no one wants to have the reputation of the crew that “leaves a wake of destruction”. A production also does not want to get blamed for changes to location that it had no part in creating. For these reasons, before and after imagery is crucial to document what was changed and assess what needs to be restored. With the proper tools for analysis, a location manager can use satellite imagery to monitor outdoor areas and make informed decisions about location restoration. I will show the power of remote sensing software to do change detection analysis by using an example from the film Mission Impossible III.

Case Study: Mission Impossible III

Mission Impossible III was filmed in 2005 and directed by J.J. Abrams. The scene of interest takes place on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Virginia; Tom Cruise escapes a missile, shoots down a plane and makes a death defying leap across an enormous crack in the bridge.

The scene was filmed just north of Los Angeles on Ahmanson Ranch in San Fernando Valley where a bridge replica was constructed. At first glance, the ranch appears to be a fantastic spot to build the bridge...ample space, privately owned, good weather and equitable land use fees...unfortunately the deal was past the point of no return when the location manager was thrown a curve-ball.

Ahmanson Ranch is home to an endangered and endemic plant species, the San Fernando Valley Spine Flower as well as endangered animal species, The California Red Legged Frog. Even though the location manager inquired about endangered species prior to securing the site, the park ranger did not mention the spine flower. It was not until the crew began prepping the location for construction that the location manager was made aware of the endangered plant.

Suddenly, the production had to adhere to a myriad of environmental regulations. The film location manager was forced to hire ecologists, biologists and engineers to assist with these issues. Patches of the San Fernando Spine Flower had to be quarantined and the production was forced to work around the protected sites. A patch of land even had to be cordoned off in the middle of base camp.

In addition to the regulatory issues, the production faced environmental hazards. The scene was shot in late August and early September – the tail end of California dry season and a fire swept through the region on September 29th. Luckily the fire didn’t occur until after the MI3 scene had wrapped; however, the infrastructure was still in place. Strangely enough, the bridge ended up saving some regions of the Spine Flower by acting as a fire blockade.

The final price tag of the setback... a half million dollars.

Bridge Attack




Mission: Impossible 3

— MOVIECLIPS.com

I performed change detection on satellite imagery of Ahmanson Ranch from mid-bridge construction and after the filming was over. I chose to use mid-preparation as a comparison point to post-production because I was interested in looking at vegetation change during the construction process. I also compared satellite imagery from before and after the fire because the bridge infrastructure was still in place during the fire. I was interested in seeing how the bridge affected the fire patterns. In the following section called “conservation”, I will address how this costly situation could have been averted using GIS.

FINDING A CERTAIN "LOOK"

Remote sensing is useful for finding a certain aesthetic or environment. For example, a film shoot may call for an extraterrestrial environment in which case a recently burned forest or old burn scar would be suitable. Location managers are always looking for places that fit certain parameters: spacious, private, accessible, 360 degree sky views and flat ground. Depending on the size of a production, it will sometimes take five or six acres to accommodate all of the components of base camp(trailers, catering, make-up/wardrobe, helicopter-pad etc.) Using 360 degree blue skies as a filming background is a cost saving method during the post-production green screen editing process [Chroma-key compositing]. Accessibility is very important, uneven roads may require repaving or grading. I will show how remote sensing and GIS can identify these features and discuss what tools exist for logistical planning.

CONSERVATION

A large part of treating an environment with respect is simply being aware. This means having knowledge of protected areas, regional ecological issues and regulations that must be followed. The need for authoritative, up-to-date information about locations of endangered plant & animal species, archaeological digs and Indian burial sites is important to film location managers when they are making decisions about filming in natural areas. Special permits or procedures may be required. Failure to adhere to laws such as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) or the National Historic Preservation Act can result in heavy fines and production delays. I have gathered information on how to acquire such data. I have also mapped out some endangered plant species and protected areas in Los Angeles County.