WHAT IF YOUR PROPERTY COULD BE THE STAR OF THE SHOW?
With our location scouting packages, you can have the opportunity to showcase your unique property by making it visible to key film industry professionals.
Attention movie buffs!
Did you know that your very own property could be the next big film location? That’s right, we’re on the hunt for the perfect spots to bring epic stories to life on the big screen. And with BC’s amazing cities, stunning landscapes, and breathtaking coastlines, the possibilities are endless!
We know that the stories come from screenwriters and that actors are found by casting agents. But how often does one wonder where all of the film locations come from?
Enter the Film Location Scout…
Professional film scouts are steadfast in exploring BC’s diverse scenery, but there just aren’t enough film scouts to cover it all – and the landscape is constantly changing.
We need your help to find the most unique and picturesque locations in town! Perhaps you have the perfect house or the ultimate office overlooking the city or the most charming cottage by the lake. Could your darkened factory be the location for the next action packed rescue scene?
Lights, camera, action – let’s make movie magic together!
Professional Film Location Scouts are hired by film production companies to find specific locations for their projects. Although they are not available for hire by the general public, you might be lucky enough to have a Film Scout knock on your door or leave you a letter if they see something cinematic in your property. Keep in mind that many factors need to align to make this happen.
On the other hand, if you have a property that you think should be in the movies but is not visible to scouts, you might have to rely on lucky chance. Generally, many “hidden gem” locations are discovered by scouts when they hear about them from a friend or family member. Maybe your property is the next big Hollywood backdrop that they are looking for!
Discovering hidden gems is every producer’s dream come true. A location does not have to be grand or glittering to be a gem. It can be an old ice cream parlour or a charming family home tucked away from plain sight. Every corner can hold secrets worth capturing on camera.
You no longer need to wait for the scouts to discover your hidden gems. Together with MSI Drones, you have the power to bring your unique and inspiring locations to them.
By showcasing your property to BC Film Location professionals, you are opening up limitless possibilities. Your property could have the potential to be the perfect setting for a production and we can help make that happen. Together, we can put your property on the map where it may become a destination for filmmakers. Don't be afraid to dream big and take the leap - your property could be the next big thing in the film industry!
$299 is our standard rate for a 2 hour scouting of a single location within the ‘Standard Boundary’.
Included in this price:
Our Film Scout Professional will photograph your property using industry-standard presentation formats expected by Producers and Directors with the addition of stunning aerial photography and video. We will register your property permanently in the Creative BC digital locations file database to be seen by all Film Location Scouts of British Columbia. You will also receive a copy of the photo file for your personal use.
The following conditions are not included in this price:
If your property is located outside of the ‘Standard Boundary’, then special travel fees may apply in addition to the standard rate. Please inquire for a quote.
If a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) is required for drone operation on your property, special provision fees may apply in addition to the standard rate. Please inquire for a quote.
Our standard rate is based on having a Scout at your property for a time period of up to 2 hours. This is usually enough time to complete the job. However larger or complex properties can sometimes take a little longer, and in such cases an additional fee of $75 will apply for each additional hour over 2 hours.
Our standard rate includes scouting of a single location, however if you have multiple properties in the same vicinity, please inquire for a quote as we may be able to offer some savings.
The successful backbone of any film production requires a team of dedicated personnel known as the “Locations Department”. This team is comprised of at least one Location Manager, Assistant Location Manager, Location Scout, and Location Assistant, who work towards finding the perfect look for the project under the guidance of the film’s Director, Producers, Production Designers, and Art Department. The search for the ideal location can take as short as a week or up to a year, depending on the budget and size of the project. For cost-effectiveness, production teams explore the Creative BC locations database before deploying location scouts. Scouting the locations is just one step, and a single location may not fully represent all scenes for the project, leading to the need for various other locations.
Any time that a film crew works on your property, you will be compensated and insured by the production, and your property will be left in the same condition as it was beforehand.
As a necessary step before any physical search operation, Scouts are advised to refer to a provincially funded digital locations library hosted by Creative BC (formerly known as BC Film Commission). The library is comprised of thousands of location photo files that have been submitted in a specific format by Location Scouts across British Columbia. While the public can view many of these files online, access to private information such as names, addresses, and contact details is restricted to only authorized Film Location Managers and Scouts. This process of “virtual scouting” offers a highly cost-effective option before incurring expenses on travel and physical searches.
Maintaining an up to date photo file database with as many different location options as possible is of utmost importance to reduce production costs and increase production value. Contributions from Film Scouts and property owners are crucial in achieving this goal.
You and MSI Drones will schedule a date and time that is ideal for both. During the scheduled visit, our Scout will work together with you to ensure that safety is taken into consideration before the shoot begins.
Our Scout will capture aerial footage with precision, while you assist in highlighting any areas of interest such as unique camera angles, or areas of concern such as animal-related hazards or off-limits areas. During the interior shoot, our Scout will use a handheld camera and follow a generally established pattern while ensuring that nothing is photographed without your prior consent. For areas outside the drone’s reach, the scout will use a handheld camera to capture images where possible.
At MSI Drones, we guarantee our clients’ privacy and confidentiality. Individuals or property will not be photographed without prior consent. Our experienced team has no illusions as to the difficulty involved in capturing your vision on film, and are committed to providing you with our best work and a positive customer service experience.
If you are a property owner looking to make some extra money while offering your unique location for film production, then this service is for you!
Creative BC locations database is your first step towards being featured in various productions and earning good money. By listing your property in the database, you increase the chances of it being seen. Filmmakers typically consider these locations before deploying scouts on physical searches.
Productions tend to pay generously for the use of properties in their projects, and with all related expenses taken care of.
If discovered, your property could be used by one or multiple productions, providing you an opportunity to generate some extra revenue.
No. MSI Drones documents your property and registers it at Creative BC making it visible to the film industry. It is all dependent upon what a production is looking for, and each production contains a unique script and various locations required to fulfill the locations of the story.
There is no set rate. Rates vary depending on how well your property fits the Director’s vision, the budget of the film project, the scale of your property, what they want to do at your property (A game of chess? A stunt and explosion?), how long it will be used, and many other factors. It comes down to a fee that you and the Location Manager will establish together.
Yes. Absolutely you can do it yourself. With MSI Drones, you’ll be hiring the services of veteran Film Location Scouts who are experienced with photographing properties for film, and who will package it in a format that Producers and Directors expect. You also get the added dimension of height with aerial photography that offers a great advantage over terrestrial scouting. We also write information files knowing what relevant details to include and we take care of the registry with Creative BC.
You can contact Creative BC and describe the changes so that they can update the information part of your file. Or you can contact MSI Drones for a reshoot at 50% off the current pricing at that time with a maximum of once per calendar year.
The shoot will be rescheduled to another future date that is agreed upon between you and MSI Drones, at no additional cost to you.
High winds, rain, snowfall, extreme cold. All of the factors make flight unstable and therefore unsafe.
Yes. The deposit is $50 at the time of booking, which will be applied to your final invoice.
Your $50 deposit will be refunded in full and MSI Drones will hope you consider us again.
Yes. If you cancel with at least 48 hours notice you may either re-schedule your shoot or request that your deposit be refunded. However, if you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, your deposit will be forfeited.
No. When film location scouting, people are not permitted in photos that are submitted to Creative BC. It is recommended that the shooting areas are clear of people in advance of the shoot. MSI Drones can video people on projects other than film location scouting.
Yes in most cases. Depending on the distance between the locations, you may want to consider separate bookings for each one as you will be billed for travel time between locations. Alternatively you can inquire about booking our full day rate.
Once the shooting is complete, you will receive your invoice by email, with a link to make your payment. Your previously paid deposit amount will be applied and deducted from the invoice. Once you have made your payment, the pilot will proceed to process and edit the images, create the location file, register the property with Creative BC, and provide you with the images that you have requested.
Yes. You may work alongside the pilot and request the shots that you would like to have taken. The pilot will also have ideas for some interesting angles or filming techniques. Keep in mind that the pilot is bound by Transport Canada flight regulations and safety is always paramount.
There is no hard rule about that but, generally, no it isn’t okay. Dogs especially are attracted to the rotors of a drone and may want to playfully attack which can result in injury and damages to equipment. It is, however, a regulation for drone pilots to avoid all wildlife. Birds are known to attack drones if they feel their territory is infringed upon which, again, can cause injury to the animal. Please advise the pilot of any known wildlife in the shooting area.
Yes. It will be yours to do whatever you like with. However, Moonscape Suite Inc. and its subsidiaries reserve the right to use the photos and footage in their advertising, demo reels, website design and stock imagery site. For more information about this, we recommend that you read the MSI Drones Terms and Conditions that are included in your agreement when booking your service.
Flying a drone can provide an exhilarating experience while also yielding rewards. However, it is important to acknowledge the potential dangers and expenses that come with the territory of drone operation. With continuous advances in drone technology, there are various types of drones and applications for their use. Whether you plan to use your drone for recreational or commercial purposes, it is essential to obtain the tools and knowledge needed to fly safely and legally. This includes a license for UAVs weighing 250 grams or more. Ignoring the necessary protocol can have severe consequences, such as facing fines or even jail time. In addition, inexperienced or unqualified operators can put individuals and property at risk.
As potential customers, it is essential to inquire about the credentials of drone operators before hiring them, and we at MSI Drones will readily provide copies of our pilots’ licensing and our company insurance.
Visit Transport Canada’s website to learn more about flying drones safely and legally
We believe that obtaining your Advanced Operations RPAS License is an important milestone in your career, and we are dedicated to providing you with all the tools you need to achieve this goal. Our intuitive course is currently under construction and being designed with you in mind – you can work at your own pace and complete it within 12 months of enrolment.
After successfully completing the curriculum and multiple-choice tests, you will receive a Certificate of Completion. This is your first step towards booking an official flight review with MSI Drones or any other certified Flight Reviewer. With our course, you can be well-prepared and go into your flight review with confidence!
We understand that taking a flight review can be daunting, but with our Online Flight Review Prep Course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the review. So whether it’s mandatory or not, we highly encourage you to invest in your learning and sign up for our course today.
As you delve into the world of drones, there are endless possibilities for what you can achieve with the right kind of technology and a skilled operator, and this is just the beginning.
With our Transport Canada certification, our Flight Reviewers will help you obtain your Advanced RPAS Operations license and unlock your potential as a commercial pilot.
Our standard Flight Review is conducted in beautiful Port Moody, British Columbia, in affiliation with UAVertical Flight School.
With the right resources and a passion to succeed, you can soar to the heights of your dreams and beyond.
MSI Drones offers a mobile Flight Review service for those who are not able to travel to Port Moody, BC. for a Flight Review.
We are flexible and able to come to locations throughout BC to conduct flight reviews in areas that are accessible to our customers.
If you are interested in our Mobile Flight Review service, please contact us for a quote.
At MSI Drones, we prioritize the communication of your vision and deliver breathtaking shots
tailor-made to your requirements.
Entrust your photography needs to our skilled team and witness your vision come to life.
MSI Drones covers all the angles and offers exceptional photography services with the expertise of an award-winning photographer, Mick Rochon. His work has been recognized as a finalist in the celebrated 2023 ‘A World of Looks’ photography competition, sponsored by the Directors Guild of Canada and Creative BC (BC Film Commission), and featured by display at the renowned Polygon Gallery. Additionally, his work was featured on CBC’s ‘The Listeners Lens’ as photographer of the month in February 2016.
Yes, of course we can shoot videos of stunning scenery from above and show you beautiful imagery through a birdseye lens. Now also imagine motion picture of the action as it happens. Stunts, scripted scenes, and unexpected moments are some of the many different cinematic occasions that we will capture.
Our Creative Director, Mick Rochon has written, directed and produced films that have been viewed globally. He brings over 25 years of experience and collaborations with some of the most influential filmmakers in history. Allow us to share our creative abilities with you, and turn your vision into a stunning reality.
With all of the right software and skills, our team has the ability to add enhancements that will take your project to the next level.
We can apply all sorts of corrections to colour, lighting, clarity, contrast, and other elements to bring out the best in your photos and videos. Additional enhancements can change the overall mood and message in your images.
We can add your company logo or descriptive text to images, for a professional finish.
Music or sound effects can add to a more interesting and engaging viewing experience.
A few words on visual effects (VFX) from Mick Rochon of MSI Drones…
There are a few different examples of visual effects that we could have shown here. I wanted to share this particular clip because of how subtle the VFX are compared to how complicated it was to produce them. This part might be fun for all the techies out there.
Shown here is a trailer from a project that I directed called The Big Top Fury. It was originally shot on 16mm motion picture film (as opposed to video) so please excuse the grainy-ness. It was ambitious for a few reasons. We didn’t have a budget for the huge crowd that the script called for let alone other logistics. The film was intended to look like a cartoon but shot live action with real actors and locations. I filmed it with the mindset that all of the impossible would be achieved after the fact in post production (sigh).
We shot the whole thing without any crowd except for those three gents just outside the boxing ring and of course actors performing the action. We had to imagine the stadium was full of people and the pyrotechnics were really happening. We did not use any green screens or motion reference markers during filming as that would have also been too costly.
The first part of the process after set wrap was transferring every frame of the filmed footage to digital for editing & VFX and…yikes…adding a crowd. We decided to shoot every member of the crowd individually in front of an effects green screen so that the images could be manipulated to place them where we needed. Keep in mind that we had to duplicate the movements of the original camera shots so that it would appear the crowd was really watching the action. Each spectator was composited into a row. Each row was composited into a crowd.
Meanwhile, all the original filmed scenes had to be matted by hand to separate the foreground from the background so that our new crowd could be inserted in behind. Also, we had to match the original film lighting, texture, grain, and motion. The amount of work that goes into every single shot of a movie is outrageous. Looking back on it now, it would have been way cheaper to actually have the crowd there when we shot the movie!
Some of the effects you are viewing in the clip are: text layers, foreground mattes, motion tracking, colour correction, image compositing, vfx pyrotechnics, artificial lens flares, and computer animation. Not to mention all of the complex sound work such as music, voice overs and sound effects. With technology evolving the way it does on a daily basis, filmmaking has become more exciting than ever.
Movie magic is what we do at MSI Drones. Let’s have some fun!
Cheers,
Mick Rochon
Creative Director
MSI Drones
We pride ourselves on delivering a superior level of service that is both affordable and transparent. We will guide you through every step of the budgeting process, ensuring that you are fully informed every step of the way. Whether you are tackling a small-scale project or a large-scale initiative, our team can help you achieve your project objectives and within your budget.
Aerial photography offers incredible capabilities, and we are excited to enlighten you and showcase its full potential. Our pilots are highly experienced in cinematic motion picture and artistic photography. We strive to provide fresh and innovative ideas, and to bring an element of creativity to every aspect of our work, from planning to the final cut.
Are you ready to explore new horizons? Whether you have a clear vision or are seeking some inspiration, we are always thrilled to share our creative ideas with you and look forward to hearing yours. By working together, we can create something truly unique and amazing that captures the essence of your vision.
What’s your vision?
Let’s team up and make it happen today!
