It started out with experimentation at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the Pasadena, Calif.-based high-tech center known for its space exploration endeavors. But this time, the space being explored was the State of California, as a JPL team provided the framework for what several years later has turned out to be a sophisticated location scouting system.
Initially in ’95, the JPL was charged with transforming the extensive collection of location still photos at the California Film Commission (CFC) into a digital image library. Three years later, conversion of this application into a Web-based resource was underway.
Building upon the initial work done by the JPL were other companies in the Golden State: Object Warehouse, San Francisco, took the lead, developing the interface for the Internet, using Apple’s WebObjects for application development. LivePictures, Cupertino, Calif., was utilized for image serving, and Oracle, Redwood Shores, Calif., was used for a relational database.
These elements came together per the vision of the CFC, resulting in the creation of CinemaScout (www.cinemascout.com), which deploys the Internet and proprietary technologies to enable filmmakers via their personal computers to easily scout, research, view and inquire about thousands of locations throughout California. The system receives ongoing support from the University of Southern California’s Entertainment Technology Center, Los Angeles.
The CFC views CinemaScout as a tool to encourage and assist filmmakers to shoot on location in California. CinemaScout’s Internet-based search engine allows selection of sites by a broad range of criteria, including location, previous film usage and the historical period of geographical appearance. After entering the information desired for a search, users are able to view pictures of a possible site, learn about its facilities and immediately gather contact information to inquire about permits or other shooting requirements.
"Location shooting is a highly competitive business both in the U.S. and internationally," observes CFC executive director Karen Constine. "By making it easier for filmmakers to explore the unmatched diversity of locations available in California, CinemaScout will help the film industry grow and become an even stronger part of California’s economy."
CinemaScout allows searches in areas as broad as the entire state, or as small as within one mile of a particular area. And locations can be searched in three different ways: by site description, by keyword or by project. A location manager can describe a specific need by time period, geographic detail or country and find a similar, suitable California locale instantly. Whether a filmmaker needs a scene like the vineyards of the South of France or moonscape for a science fiction film or anything in between, it can probably be found on CinemaScout. A search by project means that a producer or scout can enter the title of a film or TV show, and find out what locations were lensed for those assignments. The user can then view some or all of those sites on his or her computer monitor.
