LOCATION EVALUATION - PROS AND CONS OF EACH LOCATION

Throughout the month of November as a group we have been researching potential locations we may use as our settings in our film trailer. The main 3 settings we decided we needed was a train station, a store and a house. Below we will discuss the pros and cons of each location we researched and decide on the final 3 locations we will use out of the options researched.

Train stations:

Stoneleigh Station vs. London Waterloo Station

Stoneleigh Station:

Advantages:	Disadvantages:
Close and convenient to use, allowing us to take more shots at this location (this would help us to produce a high quality piece of work as we have more than 1 type of shot.)	During the time we would be filming (December/ January) weather conditions will probably not be the best. We will need to be weary and careful when filming along the tracks (greater risk of danger).
Previously used this location in AS year 12 Media Studies, so we know when the best times are to film and we would be confident in knowing we can gain easy permission to the station again.	Being aware of commuters, as a group we wouldn’t want to impact anyone's day to day routine.
Quieter station, will allow us to capture shots showing the main female protagonist Clio in isolation. This will potentially reflect how she is feeling.	Employees leave at around 11 AM so if anything serious was to happen there would potentially be no one around.

London Waterloo Station:

Advantages:	Disadvantages:
The amount of commuters may work as a benefit as we could capture shots of the main female protagonist Clio walking away with a suitcase through a crowd of commuters. Ultimately being forgotten.	Extremely busy as it is a station which connects so many routes. During the time period we hope to film (December) it will be packed with commuters and people wanting to go Christmas shopping.
A well known and recognised station. Potential viewers would recognise this iconic station and be able to relate to it in a personal way.	Much harder to request and get approved access to film in and around the station. This could limit how much space we are allowed to use and how much time we could spend filming shots.
Large base of employees working at London Waterloo so if anything was to happen (eg. dangerous) we would be able to deal with the situation safely.	A much further and inconvenient train journey to get to the station. Could use this travel time elsewhere eg. capture more shots.

In conclusion we have chosen to use Stoneleigh Station, although London Waterloo has many strengths we believe Stoneleigh will be more suited within our trailer. Our main reasoning is that we believe we will be more able to capture an array of shots, especially ones of Clio in isolation. This will allow for the narrative to become more believable. We will also feel less pressure potentially because if time and travel as it is close and convenient to use.

Stores:

Sainsburys vs. The Cooperative vs. Dorking Road Stores

Sainsburys:

Advantages:	Disadvantages:
Well known and recognised supermarket chain. This recognisable brand would help to make the film relatable to our target viewers.	It becomes dark very quickly during the winter months and their is limited lighting around Sainsbury's, so we would need to potentially bring additional lighting to use.
There is a large car park area and a large space for filming without harassing or disturbing customers of Sainsbury’s. This additional pathway space will allow us to find the right angle to film at, allowing the shot to be of a higher quality.	Limited car parking time (3 hours). This seems like a long time but we would need to take a number of shots from different angles, position actors and provide lighting/ props. We will have to direct throughout, all of these jobs can kill time.
Should have resources available for our main actress to buy in one shot eg. Tinfoil, paper towels.	Extremely busy supermarket, especially during the winter season. Would need to be respectful of customers.

The cooperative:

Advantages:	Disadvantages:
Well known and recognised supermarket chain. This recognisable brand would help to make the film relatable to our target viewers.	Lack of car parking space. This would be crucial for us as we would be staying and using the area for a longer period of time. We would also need to take shots of the babysitter parked up, so without a clear parking space this would be very difficult.
Local and convenient to two members in our group.	Limited lighting around the store during the time we hope to film. We would need to supply additional lighting.
Should have resources available for our main actress to buy in one shot eg. Tinfoil, paper towels.	Busy store, we would need to be respectful of customers.

Dorking Road Stores:

Advantages:	Disadvantages:
No car parking bays  but a wide area outside the front of the shop which would be available for us to use to park cars.	The lack of a recognisable brand may affect how relatable the trailer is to our target audience.
One member in our group is a regular customer of Dorking Road Stores. This works as an advantage for us because we have a relationship with the owners we may be able to request and accept permission to use the store.	As Dorking Store being a smaller corner shop the majority of them are strict on how many teenagers use the store at once. This restriction may limit us taking shots of Clio walking out with products bought. As it is smaller, we could also be an annoyance to other customers.
The store is close and convenient to one of our houses making it easily accessible.	Limited lighting around the store during the time we hope to film. We would need to supply additional lighting.

In conclusion we have chosen to use Sainsbury’s as our store setting. Although The Cooperative and Dorking Road Stores have many advantages, we believe Sainsbury’s is the best option. This is because we would capture the best shots here as it has the largest car parking space and pathway for Clio to walk down. It has all the resources available we would need to buy and capture Clio walking away with them. Another benefit is that Sainsbury’s is a recognisable and relatable brand for our target audience.

House:

We have only researched one house and it's one of our own hence why there is no need for a comparison. We choose one of our houses as it is easy and suitable to use. Houses are very conventional and similar hence why we have chosen to use one of our own as we want to reflect that Clio has a similar standard of living as us.