LAST-MINUTE BRIEF? HOW TO SPEED UP LOCATION APPROVALS AND SHORTLISTING

What to Include in a Location Brief to Get a Shortlist Fast

16th of Feb, 2026.

Last-Minute Brief? How to Speed Up Location Approvals and Shortlisting

Key Takeaways:

• Fast-track film location scouting, approvals and bookings by submitting a detailed new enquiry or scouting request form — the quickest way to secure vetted filming locations across the UK.

• Silverstein Locations connects productions to a nationwide network of over 15,000 location owners, enabling rapid shortlisting, off-book scouting and efficient recce scheduling — even for last-minute briefs.

When time is tight and a brief lands late in the day, having the right location agency process in place can make the difference between losing momentum and locking a location quickly.

At Silverstein Locations, we’ve developed a streamlined workflow specifically designed to support film, television, commercial, editorial and digital productions working to fast turnarounds. If you want quicker shortlists, faster approvals and smoother bookings, here’s exactly how to help us help you.

1. Start With Our New Enquiry or Scouting Request Form

The fastest route to a strong shortlist is always completing our New Enquiry Form or New Scouting Request Form.

These forms capture all the essential production details we need to approach location owners immediately and shortlist relevant options without unnecessary back-and-forth. This includes:

• Project type (film, TV, commercial, photoshoot, etc.)

• Shoot dates and prep / wrap requirements

• Budget range or location fee expectations

• Crew size and access needs

• Specific aesthetic, architectural or geographic preferences

The more detail provided upfront, the faster we can identify suitable filming locations and begin owner outreach.

2. A Quick Call to Clarify the Brief

Once your form is submitted, we aim to follow up with a short call.

This allows us to:

• Clarify creative intent

• Sense-check practical constraints

• Identify deal-breakers early

• Understand any evolving requirements

A ten-minute conversation at this stage can save hours later and ensures we’re targeting the right locations from the outset.

3. Help Us Refine the Shortlist

After we send an initial option list or confirm specific location details and rates, feedback is key.

Let us know:

• Which options are unsuitable and why

• What isn’t working (layout, scale, light, access, budget, neighbours, etc.)

• What would be better or more useful

This intelligence allows us to refine quickly — either by adjusting the shortlist or by initiating off-book scouting.

Did you know? Silverstein Locations has access to a private network of nearly 15,000 location owners across the UK, enabling us to source hard-to-find properties fast, even when they’re not publicly listed.

Deco Country, an innovative film location in Surrey.

4. Arrange a Recce as Soon as You Like an Option

Once an option stands out, the next step is to arrange a recce so you can experience the location in real life.

To schedule this efficiently, we’ll need:

• Preferred date and time

• Attendee names

• Best point of contact

Recces allow departments to assess logistics, light, access and flow — and help move projects towards confident approvals.

5. What We Need to Progress to Booking

When both production and location are happy with the shoot details and agreed rate, we’ll request:

• Copy of your Public Liability Insurance (PLI)

• Invoicing details

• £1,500 refundable damages deposit

• Signed Silverstein Locations agreement

Once these are in place, we can confirm the booking and secure the location.

Hazel House, a film location in West Sussex.

The Result: Faster Shortlists, Faster Approvals, Faster Bookings

Following this process gives productions the best chance of receiving a strong shortlist quickly and progressing to booking without delays — even on last-minute briefs.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re scouting for a feature film, television drama, commercial, branded content or photoshoot, our team is ready to help.

Reach out today about your current brief and let us do the heavy lifting.