AI-powered Search Engine for Film Location Scouting Unveiled in Spain
The Spain Film Commission recently introduced an AI-driven search engine, optimizing the efficiency and precision of location scouting for filmmakers and studios.
At this year's Shooting Locations Marketplace in Valladolid, Spain, Hollywood's top studio executives and international location managers converged to discuss the evolving landscape of film production locations, highlighting the influence of tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
The Marketplace, strategically scheduled just before the Seminci Valladolid Film Festival, serves as a hub for decision-makers in film location selection. With a record attendance of 69 studio executives and location managers, the boutique event facilitated a series of pre-scheduled meetings with film commissioners and production service providers.
A standout feature at this year's event was the Spain Film Commission's introduction of an AI-powered search engine. Location choice has always been a complex decision influenced by various factors. As Universal's Physical Production SVP James Lin pointed out, tax incentives remain a significant driver, attracting filming to regions eager for the economic boost. William Doyle, the location manager for “Mank”, highlighted the dual benefits of these incentives: supporting smaller films and dispersing the wealth generated by the entertainment industry globally.
Considering the complexity of finding and selecting film locations, this tool, developed by Alba Meijide and Teresa Azcona, assists location managers by streamlining the process of finding and assessing potential locations. This system organizes visuals in a way that simplifies the discovery of locations. Additionally, the web interface consolidates essential details about each site, including its accessibility, necessary permits, and other relevant documentation, all conveniently accessible in one centralized system. Meijide emphasized that this AI tool is designed not to replace human roles but to enhance the efficiency of location managers, enabling them to perform their tasks more effectively and easily.
The focus of the Marketplace wasn't just on picturesque locales but also on discovering untapped locations, ease of access, and logistical concerns. Lori Balton and David Mckinney emphasized the importance of finding unique spots and efficient logistics to ensure a smooth production process. Paramount's Ortiz echoed this sentiment, stressing the necessity of robust infrastructure to support large crews.
The Marketplace, with the introduction of the AI-powered location search engine is a sneak peek into the future of how AI tools reshape the workflow of various aspects of filmmaking and content creation, even the parts that most audiences may not think about as much. But what should be taken into account is the economic impact that location selection can bring to certain countries and regions, and ensuring that the AI system fairly evaluates all options is essential.