Don’t turn away industrial or stripped-down spaces for your next filming locations. All locations serve their purpose and can fit a wide variety of media depending on the theme and genre of film, tv show, photoshoot, or music video. One way to make use of open spaces like industrial locations is to put their grungy aesthetic to use. For example, an eerily empty warehouse can easily become a creepy setting that is perfect for a horror film or crime show.
Industrial Locations in Film
Take a look at a scene from the classic Tarantino film, Reservoir Dogs.
In this scene, the antagonist, Mr. Blonde is torturing a cop in a grimy warehouse. We can see how this practically empty and run-down industrial location sets the tone for this violent scene.
Only a few props like the gasoline tank, the chair, and other set pieces in the background were needed to help build the mise en scene. As for lighting, natural lighting from the large windows and overhead practical lights seem to be all that was used. What really brought out the brilliance of this scene were the actors’ performances and how they interacted with each other, the location, and props.
Industrial Locations in Music Videos
Now let’s see how a warehouse can be used for something more lively by examining the DJ Snake ‘Run It’ music video starring Simu Liu from the new Marvel film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
In the ‘Run It’ music video we can see a large group of people partying in what seems to be an abandoned warehouse or industrial structure. Despite the size of the space, the camera focuses on the dancers and featured celebrities rather than showing off the location. It moves fast just like the beat of the music and the dancers motivate its movement. Sometimes, your location can serve as a backdrop for your video, while the main focus is the action and people.
For a production like this lighting and ambiance are crucial to enhancing your filming location. First, the production crew made use of the overhead lamps as a glowing hair light. Next, they used key and fill lights with red gels to create that underground, hip-hop dance vibe. Lastly, to create that hazy ambiance seen in the music video a simple fog or haze machine will do the trick.
Industrial locations such as warehouses are a staple filming location in many shoots because of their versatility. As a result, these locations serve as a blank canvas for any shoot regardless of genre. The right creative vision and some equipment can make it into the perfect filming location. Now that you’ve seen what you can create in these spaces, why not try creating the perfect filming location yourself?
Industrial Locations on Filmplace
Filmplace has several industrial listings, for example, this location titled ‘Warehouse Industrial Creative Space’ in Singapore.
This location boasts a high ceiling height of 5 to 10 meters and large windows with abundant natural light. At a total of 3,000 sq ft, this entire warehouse is available for only $52.12 per hour. Additionally, this easily accessible location also offers easy loading and unloading with a dedicated 1-ton electric hoist, a 24-hour security guard, and is located near canteens.
Check out this filming location and more like it or check out some more of our host‘s locations that were spotlighted here on our blog.
